Marilyn Heidbrink and her daughter, Olivia, spent Saturday afternoon celebrating their German heritage in downtown Warrenton.They were among 1,500 people who ventured out to enjoy the return of the FruhlingFest for the first time in over two decades. The event celebrated Warren County’s German cultural history.“We heard about the festival online from a friend, so we had to come,” said Heidbrink, whose husband is originally from Warrenton.She and Olivia danced to the sounds of the St. Louis Express Authentic German band on Main Street, clad in full German dresses.“How often do you get to put on a (costume) and come out and dance on a Saturday afternoon?” quipped Heidbrink.The Heidbrinks were among those visiting the approximately 40 vendors scattered along Main Street, including crafts and artisans. There was also a car show and a beer tasting at Deerfield’s Winery.Event organizer Stacey Blondin says the committee met Monday morning, June 17, and was thrilled with the turnout of the revived event, which began 39 years ago. She isn’t certain why it was discontinued, but the group is hopeful FruhlingFest, which means “Spring Festival,” will continue to grow.“We are already discussing ways to improve next year’s event, such as going an hour later into the evening,” said Blondin. “We are also exploring the option of having a beer garden on the street. We have been working closely with the city and have gotten nothing but good feedback toward achieving our goals.”This year’s event raised around $6,000 from vendor fees to go toward matching a grant. The funds will be used as part of a beautification project for downtown Warrenton.Blondin says the committee was pleased considering it vied for attendance against community events in Jonesburg and New Melle, along with the unpredictable timing of the St. Louis Blues’ Stanley Cup parade.“We felt it went over really well,” said Blondin. “I want to thank all those involved with making the event happen.”The FruhlingFest revitalization was the brainchild of the Warrenton Downtown Association and was orchestrated solely by volunteers.

Marilyn Heidbrink and daughter, Olivia, dance to German heritage music during the FruhlingFest June 15 in downtown Warrenton. The Heidbrinks heard about the event from a friend and traveled from Ballwin to celebrate their German heritage. 

Record photo/Derrick Forsythe

The St. Louis Express authentic German band performed during FruhlingFest June 15 in downtown Warrenton. The event drew around 1,500 people to celebrate Warren County’s German culture. The Warrenton Downtown Association raised around $6,000 toward the beautification of the downtown area.

Record photo/Derrick Forsythe