The Pennsylvania German Zammelaaf nonprofit organization held its 14th annual Zammelaaf at the Zion UMC Church of Iona, Lebanon, on March 21.
Zammelaaaf translates to “social gathering.” Approximately 225 individuals of all ages attended. There was no cost for the event; however, donations were accepted.
Entertainment was provided by a new internationally known family band, the Shooflies. The four-member band provided lively, invigorating music and was well-received. In October, they will make a return trip to Germany to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the German-Pennsylvania Day sponsored by the U.S. Consulate and Europe Direct.
Die Swatara Schalle choral group performed songs in the PA German dialect during the 14th annual Zammelaaf at the Zion UMC Church of Iona, Lebanon, March 21. (Photo courtesy of Mary Laub, Maxatawny Township)
In addition, music was provided by Die Schwadore Schalle (Swatara Sounds) choral group of youth and adults who sang a variety of songs in the PA German (Dutch) dialect. Some of the songs were familiar and the audience sang along with the group.
The name, “Swatara,” originates from the Native Americans, which means “place where we feed on eels” or “the place of eels” and comprises an area in Lebanon, Dauphin, Schuylkill, and Berks counties, in Pennsylvania.
Two speakers presented interesting information about the PA Germans — “PA German Easter Traditions” by Linda Manwiller and “Saffron Use Among the PA Germans” by Diane Wenger.
In addition, three lively children’s sessions included singing, stories, and learning PA Germa. It is hoped that all these presentations encouraged others to learn more about the PA Germans, their language, culture and heritage.
Keith Reigart, left, provided many items to assist visitors in learning about the PA German culture, language and heritage during the 14th annual Zammelaaf at the Zion UMC Church of Iona, Lebanon, March 21. (Photo courtesy of Mary Laub, Maxatawny Township)
Stewart Walton played his singing saw during the 14th annual Zammelaaf at the Zion UMC Church of Iona, Lebanon, March 21. (Photo courtesy of Mary Laub, Maxatawny Township)
Attendees were interested in learning the PA German language from those fluent in the dialect during the 14th annual Zammelaaf at the Zion UMC Church of Iona, Lebanon, March 21. (Photo courtesy of Mary Laub, Maxatawny Township)
Decorated eggs and many other traditional handmade items were displayed by Matthew and Nancy Vardjan during the 14th annual Zammelaaf at the Zion UMC Church of Iona, Lebanon, March 21. (Photo courtesy of Mary Laub, Maxatawny Township)
Zammelaaf co-chair Alice Spayd displayed items for sale during the 14th annual Zammelaaf at the Zion UMC Church of Iona, Lebanon, March 21. (Photo courtesy of Mary Laub, Maxatawny Township)
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Keith Reigart, left, provided many items to assist visitors in learning about the PA German culture, language and heritage during the 14th annual Zammelaaf at the Zion UMC Church of Iona, Lebanon, March 21. (Photo courtesy of Mary Laub, Maxatawny Township)
Sharing the PA German dialect was an important part of the event. There was a conversation table where attendees could converse and learn about the language with fluent speakers.
There was much to see!
Five artisans were demonstrating their craft. In addition, there were seven vendors displaying their handiwork and five societies sharing information about their venues. All information related to the culture and heritage of the PA Germans (Dutch).
Bryan Nye, dressed in traditional costume, brought samples of his leather-made items during the 14th annual Zammelaaf at the Zion UMC Church of Iona, Lebanon, March 21. (Photo courtesy of Mary Laub, Maxatawny Township)
John Huber, left, of Huberhaus Pottery in Myerstown displayed his PA Dutch redware pottery with traditional patterns during the 14th annual Zammelaaf at the Zion UMC Church of Iona, Lebanon, March 21. (Photo courtesy of Mary Laub, Maxatawny Township)
Liam McCay displayed his wood products, hand-crafted from Pennsylvania hardwoods, during the 14th annual Zammelaaf at the Zion UMC Church of Iona, Lebanon, March 21. (Photo courtesy of Mary Laub, Maxatawny Township)
Representatives of the Friends of the Conrad Weiser Homestead dressed in 17th-century garb during the 14th annual Zammelaaf at the Zion UMC Church of Iona, Lebanon, March 21. (Photo courtesy of Mary Laub, Maxatawny Township)
There was also a display of old-fashioned toys which drew the attention of many and provided challenges for those who attempted to use them, too! A silent auction with many craft items was also available. Food was provided for purchase by the church. Midway Diner, Bethel, provided delicious baked goods.
The Zammelaaf event replaced the Pennsylvania German Heritage Festival, which had previously been held for 16 years at the Harrisburg Area Community College’s Lebanon campus. Plans are already in place for next year’s March 2027 Zammelaaf.
The other popular event sponsored by the PA German Zammelaaf is the Grundsau Lodsch fer Yunge (Groundhog Lodge for Youth), which will be scheduled in 2027. Visit the PA German Zammelaaf Facebook page for more information.
It is hopeful that this Zammelaaf experience provided insights into the rich language, heritage and culture of the PA Germans and the importance of passing along the traditions to future generations.
Columnist Mary Laub of Maxatawny Township is the author of the “On the Farm” series. Her Something Dutch column, published by MediaNews Group, is written in Pa Dutch with English translation.