ST. LOUIS DAY HOMECOMING FESTIVAL

As has happened for the last 140 years, the famed St. Louis Day Celebration will again open the gates to visitors from all over the state. Dubbed years ago, by the Texas Tourist Agency as “The Homecoming for the State of Texas,” the giant festival will again serve tons of barbecued beef, Alsatian style sausage, and food, drink, music, games and fun all day long for friends who make the trip each year to historic Castroville. According to the Visitors Center guest book, the last few years have attracted visitors from more than 100 Texas towns and cities, 17 different states, and 14 countries. In only its 12th year on the shady Koenig Park grounds is one of fastest growing and most popular attractions: The St. Louis Day Biergarten.

According to Frankie Kempf, Asst. Publicity Director, the Biergarten idea was born, appropriately enough, by a couple of parishioners sitting around a “kegerator” reminiscing about the fond memories of St. Louis Days gone by. The idea was presented to the general chairmen to have a Saturday evening biergarten party who then decided to give it a try, and now it hosts a huge crowd of visitors on Saturday evening the night before the actual celebration. So on August 20 at 6:30 p.m., the Super Saturday Biergarten Party will serve ice cold draught beer, wine, other refreshments and food, and live music for those who will make a weekend out of St. Louis Day. The Boardwalk games will be open for children that night as well. Succulent all beef hot dogs, known as Sarge’s St. Louie Red Hots, pulled pork sandwiches and piping hot nachos will be served for guests as well. Also back by popular demand will be the giant pizzas served by Dirt Road Cookers. As in previous years, the gala will be held under nature’s tent beneath the shady canopy of the park where party-goers will be able to spread out and do what is supposed to happen at a homecoming—visit with old friends and make new ones. Plenty of seating is available for those who wish to get off their feet, and it is not unusual to see guests bring their own lawn chairs and relax the night away to good music, ice cold beer and great conversation.

Biergarten entertainment chairman, Duane Garza, says that the Saturday night featured entertainers this year will be kicked off by great local favorites the Solis Brothers beginning at 6:30 p.m. Texas Tempo will follow at 8:30 and dazzle the crowd with spectacular guitar and vocal talent until 11 p.m.

Sunday, August 21, is the actual festival day when thousands of visitors will flock to “The Little Alsace of Texas.” The day will be jam-packed with entertainment at two different venues on the grounds including the Biergarten Stage and the ever-popular Riverside Stage. Featured talent this year include Fire on the Mountain Cloggers, the Alsatian Dancers of Texas, locals Julie & Michele, new local favorite Jordan Gauna, new comers to SLD the Bret Mullins Band, and rounding out the day with the ever popular Weston Ripps Band. In addition, there will be the popular games for young and old including the popular bingo pavilion. Old-fashioned horseshoe and washer pitch tournaments will take place all day long on the grounds. Greenhouse plants will provide great deals for visitors who like to shop. The spacious air-conditioned hall will house one of the best silent auctions and will also host the Country Store featuring homemade and canned items. This year will mark the 24th year of the extremely popular St. Louis Downs “Horseracing Track,” where another lucky person will have his or her name added to the Futurity Champions Wall of Fame. If a lucky volunteer would like to cool off, the popular ice bucket challenge will provide that opportunity as well.

It’s a perfect time to make a weekend visit to historic Castroville and the St. Louis Day celebration August 20-21. For more information visit www.saintlouisday.com or like St. Louis Day on facebook.

What: 140th St. Louis Day Celebration and Biergarten Party!

When:
Saturday, August 20, 2022- Super Saturday Biergarten Party!
6:30 a.m. – 11 p.m. St. Louis Day Biergarten & Boardwalk

Sunday, August 21, 2022 – St. Louis Day Celebration
The Famous meal and entertainment start at 11 a.m.

Where: Koenig Park - 1700 San Jacinto, Castroville, 15 miles west of San Antonio off US Hwy 90

Admission: FREE

Contact: Joan Tinar, JT Advertising & Graphics @ 210-416-8438 cell

Web site: www.saintlouisday.com for general information and photos with cut lines of the historic festival

Quick highlights:
• St. Louis Day will be celebrating its 140th birthday this year.

• Dubbed several years ago by Texas Tourist Agency as “Homecoming for the State of Texas.”

• Visitors from all over the state travel to Castroville for this “Granddaddy” of one-day church picnics.

• BBQ beef and Alsatian sausage meal served 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Music, activities, crafts, games, rides and fun all day.

• There will be live entertainment Saturday night and throughout the day on Sunday featuring several bands and dance groups on two outdoor venues. Good old-fashioned family fun.

Castroville, and in particular St. Louis parish, has a rich history with many of the area folk still speaking the Alsatian language. For reporters, this quaint community is a great opportunity for a feature story.

Thanks in advance for interest you may have in St. Louis Day. I would love the opportunity to provide more insight and information for you. We have many visitors from your area who travel to Castroville for St. Louis Day each year. Should you do a feature of any kind on St. Louis Day, I would appreciate a copy or digital access for our historical archives.

Sincerely,

Joan Tinar
Publicity Chairperson, St. Louis Day

To see available photos with cutlines, additional information and history, visit our webpage at www.saintlouisday.com.