Ernte Fest 2011

A main attraction of the Ernte Fest, the German festival held Friday and Saturday in Freistatt was the traditional German meal. Volunteers used a time-tested system to dish up the tasty dinners in rapid succession in the Ernte Fest building. Serving, from left, are: Renee Moennig, Faye Walthall, Glenda Schoen, Kay Kaiser, Theresa Davis, Lois Gaddy and Barbara Steinberg. The ladies served 329 meals on Friday and 446 on Saturday. (Times Photo by Murray Bishoff)

The Freistatt Ernte Fest, sponsored by the Freistatt Lions Club, offered many attending the chance to bring out their traditional German apparel. Above, Scott Narrell, shown wearing one of the festival's ducky hats, played the ring toss game with his daughters Maggie and Lucy, all from Joplin. (Times Photo by Murray Bishoff)

Many area service organizations pitch in to help run activities at Ernte Fest. Above, the Aurora Lions Club ran the bingo tent on Friday night. (Times Photo by Murray Bishoff)

Shaylee Ehrhardt, of Monett, enjoyed the cars, one of many rides available to entertain young people at the Ernte Fest. (Times Photo by Murray Bishoff)

One of the favorite attractions at Ernte Fest is the pony driven merry-go-round. At center are Kim Davis, of Monett, and Carmen Ribbing, formerly of Monett, now of Nixa. The pony was provided by Brandon Privett and driven Friday evening by Eli Burkholder, of Verona. (Times Photo by Murray Bishoff)

The Sauerkrauts band kept the traditional German music flowing through the evening at Ernte Fest. (Times Photo by Murray Bishoff)

Revelers of all ages gathered on the dance floor at the Ernte Fest several times on Friday and Saturday when the Sauerkrauts announced it was time for the ducky dance. Dancers flapped their wings, wiggled their tails and pranced in a circle at the band's prompting. (Times Photo by Murray Bishoff)

Students from the Monett High School National Forensic League ran six games at Ernte Fest. The club will receive a portion of the festival revenue for the time donated, funds from which will help pay for students to travel to speech and debate tournaments through the school year. (Times Photo by Murray Bishoff)

Haley Edwards, with a little help from her mom, Amanda Edwards, fished for prizes in the fish pond at the Ernte Fest. (Times Photo by Murray Bishoff)

New merchandise did not arrive in time for this year's Ernte Fest, so the Freistatt Lions Club offered an inventory sale on all of their previous collectable items. Cheryl Bracht showed off the array of shirts and hats that continue to attract fans year after year. (Times Photo by Murray Bishoff)

Ernte Fest can be a family affair. Wearing their alpine hats and out for a night of fun was this group from Mt. Vernon. From left, are: Makenzie McIntyre, Grace and Emma Dunn and their mother, Jennifer Dunn. (Times Photo by Murray Bishoff)

Lawrence County Sheriff Brad DeLay, at left, with Freistatt Lions Ernte Fest Chairman Fred Schoen, attended this year's Ernte Fest with an informational booth and officers roaming the outer grounds. DeLay hoped the presence of officers would help deter problems and give second thoughts to anyone trying to drive home after having too much to drink. (Times Photo by Murray Bishoff)

The Ernte Fest provided a chance to dance for young and old. Traditional German polkas, shadishes and other dances were played through the evening by the Johnny Ziebert Band and the Sauerkrauts. (Times Photo by Murray Bishoff)

Liz Moriando and her band provided an upbeat alternative to German music from the second stage at the Ernte Fest. Moriando sang country, rock and blues from the rear stage on the Ernte Fest grounds.

Four skydivers from Firefall Express, based at the Mt. Vernon Airport, provided a visual treat for those attending Ernte Fest last weekend. Trailing long streamers, the skydivers glided down over the Ernte Fest grounds and landed in the field east of Highway H, making precision landings. (TIMES Photo by Murray Bishoff)

The bier garten was a busy place to sit, enjoy company and refreshments, as well as watch the people go by at Ernte Fest. (Times Photo by Murray Bishoff)

The Freistatt Ernte Fest, sponsored by the Freistatt Lions Club, offered many attending the chance to bring out their traditional German apparel. Wwearing their classic German outfits were Frank and Carey Reiter and their son, Daniel. The Reiters came from Joplin, illustrating the broad appeal of the festival. (Times Photo by Murray Bishoff)

Each year the Ernte Fest offers new memorabilia items. Popular this year were small glow-in-the-dark globes with spinning colors. Playing with the colorful toys were Nathan, Addison and Carson Mais, grandchildren of Robert and Rachel Mais, of Monett. (Times Photo by Murray Bishoff)