BY MARIAH MOORE
Last week, residents of Victoria all gathered on the streets of the small town, setting up pavilions, tents, and trailers in preparation for the annual HerzogFest. The vendors were all local, as people brought their crafts out for the public to see, displaying them with pride and care. There was a very apparent sense of community. Victoria is a very close-knit town, and the HerzogFest is an excellent exemplification of that.
“It is one of the most anticipated and talked about events of the year. This FREE festival encompasses entertainment and family fun for all ages. This event has grown from a one-day sidewalk sale into a weekend celebration. All entertainment is FREE to the public.” the HerzogFest website states.
The festival takes place in the heart of the city, the market stretching into the residential area, as well as the other events taking place in the various fields in the town. The festivities started the night of Friday, August 9th, with the opening ceremony beginning at 6 pm. The night consisted of local talent, as well as a show from the Bart Crow band. The following morning was kicked off with a color run, as well as a morning market. The events later on August 10th included laser tag, more music, cornhole competitions, as well as a custom car show. The festivities finally finished at 9:30 that night.
The market during HerzogFest was a very unique opportunity, as it was entirely based on community-made and grown products. Donning the name “Heritage Market”, it is one of the many nods to the festival’s long and rich history within the town.
“One of the main objectives is to honor and celebrate the local German heritage. We have a polka Mass, traditional polka music, German songs, and German foods. These are all traditions of our German heritage.” The Herzog Board of Directors stated.
The festival continues to reference its deep history. The current Board of Directors stated: “We are reminded why the event is called Herzogfest. Ethnic German immigrants from the Volga River region of Russia arrived in 1876 and founded the town of Herzog…Before that, in 1873, another group of Englishmen led by George Grant had settled on adjoining land and called Victoria…The two towns Herzog and Victoria merged in 1913. When this event was started by local businessmen as a sidewalk sale, they decided to call it Herzogfest. Homage is paid to those who settled the area and built this charming and thriving Midwest town and community.”
The Board of Directors also plays an essential part in this event. They stress that all their funding is gained solely through fundraising, sponsorships, and donations, making all the hard work put into the festival even more impressive.
“The Herzogfest Board of Directors and its volunteers work hard throughout the year to plan this event …Everyone is welcome regardless of economic means or social status.”
The community members of Victoria are already excitedly looking forward to next year’s festival. HerzogFest normally takes place at the beginning of fall, right before the turn of summer. The event holders promise for more amazing music, vendors, and family fun next year as well.