By Cindy GladdenRecord Staff WriterCrisp fall weather and an abundance of families looking for a great weekend experience help make Deutsch Country Days (DCD) an event worth attending, organizers said.The event celebrated its 34th year Oct. 17-18, highlighting Missouri’s German history.A village tour debuted this year and was a success, according to Deutsch Country Days board members.Visitors to the event were able to learn more about the history of Luxenhaus Farm, where the event takes place north of Marthasville. Tour guides also shared local history with the groups.“There are lots of people who come every year and still find things to enjoy,” said Lois Hostkoetter, co-founder. “We also had a lot of first timers.”Several of the visitors were impressed enough to sign up as volunteers for next year’s event, according to Hostkoetter.Hundreds of volunteers are the backbone of the event. Bob Hostkoetter said he couldn’t do it without the people who give of their time each year.Volunteers run the steam-powered sawmill, manage farm animals, prepare sauerkraut and apple butter, man the various log buildings, play a variety of instruments, each demonstrating the folk ways of the German immigrants from the 1850s.The volunteers along the Osage Trail offer an insight to the pre-1800s. Men and women from the Trappers of Starved Rock camp up on the ridge during the event, then re-enact the ways of the rugged trappers who hunted the Missouri River area.Gunsmiths, blacksmiths and hunters showed visitors the tools of their trade. Children played games of the past, helped make a nail at the blacksmith cabin or watched a flint knapper fashion the tools used by the Osage people who resided in the area prior to German immigration.Artisans report it was “their best year ever,” hoping to return next year. Some of the artisans include a broom maker, beekeeper, jeweler, weaver, fiber artists and woodworkers.Another big hit at the event was the variety of food items provided or demonstrated.Deutsch Country Days are held every year on the third weekend in October.For more information visit www.deutschcountrydays.org or www.facebook.com/deutschcountrydays.Children got a lot of hands on experience Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 17-18 during the 34th annual Deutsch Country Days. Sullavan Henry-Conley, center, 5, and Elijah Rablin, 6, of Krakow, learned from stone mason, Rick Wimmer-Brown, left. Cindy Gladden Photo.
