If there are two things the German-American Club of Albany prides itself on, it’s good imported beer and authentic food.
In a longstanding tradition, the German-American Club will be hosting its Old Time German Day Picnic Sunday, July 19, at its Schuetzenpark Biergarten at 32 Cherry St. in Colonie. There is a $3 entrance fee, with kids under 12 years old free.
“There’s a German tradition of sitting at a table and just being friendly,” said one of the club’s vice presidents Bill Scheuermann. “The members, they socialize. Before the day is over, you get to know them.”
The club, founded in 1895 and formerly known as the German Gun Club, has been hosting the picnic for decades, according to Scheuermann. It is one of three large picnics the club hosts throughout the year, the others including a Father’s Day picnic in June and a German Summerfest in August.
The summertime picnics are part of the monthly events held by the club to celebrate German heritage. Other events include a November Christmas Bazaar and an Irish “Shamrocks and Sauerkraut” night in March. The club also helps with the Scotia/Glenville Oktoberfest.
“We try to maintain connection with German culture and German traditions,” said Scheuermann. “We’ve had college exchange students come and students of the German language come.”
The Old Time German picnic is open to the public. There, attendees can expect music from the Mountain Brauhaus Band and food like chicken, sauerkraut and several kinds of traditional German sausages. And, of course, the imported and domestic beer, although Scheuermann said the imported is best.
“One thing we’re very proud about is our German beer. They have no chemicals,” said Scheuermann. Due to Germany’s law that beer can only have four ingredients with no added chemicals, “One might say it’s a health drink,” he said.
The food and drink will be available to purchase, and other than the $3 charge for the band, everything else is free. There will be activities, like a parade, for children. The gates open at noon with the band playing from 2 to 6 p.m.
For anyone who goes, they can expect a truly authentic time, since the German-American Club of Albany is one of the oldest in the country. It has been residing at its Colonie location since it began 120 years ago.
According to the club’s corresponding secretary Jane Schweikert, the club survived the early- and mid-1900s mostly because its Colonie address was further outside of the city than other German clubs.
“Probably because of the outside location in Colonie being fairly inaccessible, the club was not subject to the harassment suffered by the city clubs,” Schweikert wrote in a write-up of the club’s history.
Despite facing dwindling membership numbers and periods of inactivity, the club still remains active today. Although it varies, the club currently has nearly 200 members.
“Today, we’re mostly a social club,” said Schweikert. “Membership is open to all, regardless of sex, nationally or religion. We endeavor to maintain as much of our German heritage as possible.”
Membership to the club costs $45 a year per individual, or $80 for couples. There is a one-time initiation fee of $10. As well, every Wednesday, the club opens its bar and lounge from 7 to 11 p.m. and invites all to join.
For more information about the German-American Club of Albany, go to www.germanamericanclubofalbany.com or call 482-5845.
