High in the mountains of Bavaria, in towns with names such as Rupertiwinklel and Tiesendorf, the winters are long and hard.  The cold is unforgiving and the snow is seemingly unending. And while towns people long for spring, they do not wait for its arrival...they help hurry it along!

Aper (ah-pehr) is a truly unique word in German etymology and, as an adjective, means 'snowless'. Aperschnalzen is one of many brauchtum (customs) practiced in Bavaria in which communities proactively chase away winter through the use whip-cracking, singing, music and dancing.

Aperfest is how STV Bavaria is bringing those customs to northeast Ohio.

Join us March 7th to help chase away winter spirits, awaken the seeds in the ground, and hurry along the arrival of spring. There will be whip-cracking, song and dance, with music by The Aaron Dussing Band. Food and beverages will be available for purchase from Leanu Park from 5:30-7:30, after which a limited menu will be offered to keep you fueled for the rest of the evening.

Doors open at 5pm with the official opening ceremony at 5:15pm.  After which the revelry begins with games, raffles, skits, schuhplattling and goaßlschnalzen.  Who knows, a fingerhakeln match may even break out.

Oh, and lets not forget the bierstacheln, where 1000-degree steel rods are used to turn your beer into a frothy, mellow delight. Purchase your Aperfest bierstacheln stein with your admission or at the event.

We look forward to welcoming you at Aperfest.