The traditional costume club “Alpengruß” has existed in Wildsteig for 100 years: that’s definitely a reason to celebrate. And that's what the Wildsteiger Trachtler did as part of a wonderful evening of celebration.
Wildsteig – The festive evening was preceded, as is appropriate, by a church procession followed by a celebratory service in the St. Jakobus Church. Celebrated by Pastor Josef Fegg, himself a passionate traditional costumer, and beautifully accompanied by the Wildsteig music band. Everything in one hand, so to speak. The fact that everyone in the community in the heart of the Pfaffenwinkel is pulling together and that guests feel more than welcome was also demonstrated by the festival evening itself: over 300 friends of the Wildsteiger Trachtler came to the community hall to celebrate their founding anniversary together.
Anyone who thought this would be a dry affair with lots of talking or something similar was mistaken. The organizers led by board member Johann Bußjäger had come up with a varied program. For example, the club's 100-year history was not simply read out as a chronicle. No. The second board member Sepp Heißerer and honorary member Max Bertl sat down at the regulars' table and peppered the data with lots of anecdotes, some of them historical, some just plain funny.
So they took the guests back to the time when the Plattler rehearsals were still held secretly. And they also learned why filming happens faster in Upper Lechgau than in Lechgau, how the name “Alpine Greetings” came about, and what the members’ finances were like – with small, tongue-in-cheek references to today. A chronicle presentation with a lot of humor and yet informative.
Clubs had collected money for traditional costumes
But at a festive evening at a traditional costume club, there is of course not only talking, but also music and dancing. With an impressive 28 couples, the Wildsteiger Trachtler youth group started with the dance. This was followed by dashing performances by the active members of the host club as well as the sponsoring clubs “Älpler” Trauchgau and “Schloßbergler” Schongau. And in addition to words of praise, they also had gifts: a beautiful piece of carving, a snack voucher and three barrels of beer. “So that you can take a breather in the stressful time before your Gaufest,” said “Schloßbergler” board member Markus Wölfle with a wink.
(By the way: Everything from the region is now also available in our regular Schongau newsletter.)
The local clubs, 21 in number, also did their best and collected money for the traditional costumers. An impressive 1,570 euros were raised, which will benefit the club. And the community gave 500 euros on top, which “can be used for singing training,” said Mayor Josef Taffertshofer and laughed. Because he was missing male members of the specially installed “anniversary choir” of the traditional costume club’s youth.
A male “Alpengruß” member was not missing: Josef Achmüller, who is the same age as the club itself and has been with it for 77 years. The 100-year-old strolled through the rows throughout the evening and told his interesting and funny stories - with his still captivating, mischievous smile.
The crowning conclusion of the evening, in the truest sense of the word, was the “crown dance” by the Wildsteiger Plattler group and a joint Burschenplattler. “With a club like this you don’t have to be afraid of the Gaufest,” said Sepp Wohlfahrt, board member of the Upper Lechgau. And the anticipation has definitely increased with this festive evening.
As part of the festive evening, Bußjäger and Heißerer were also able to honor deserving and long-standing members. Gilbert and Hilde Schwaiger, Leni Oswald and Annemarie and Max Bertl have been there for a proud 60 years. Hermann Köpf even for 70 years. Rita Filser has been a member of the Wildsteiger Trachtler for 25 years, and Xaver Mayr and Mathias Saal have been members of the Wildsteiger Trachtler for 50 years. Whether as active members, as flag followers, musicians or former board members: They have all been actively involved in the traditional costume club for decades, and in addition to the certificate, they received a “God bless you” from the board.