Club readies for German Fair

At a recent club meeting that doubled as a work session, members of the German Club shared a lunch of breads and spreads while producing crafts to be sold at the club’s upcoming German Fair.

Dr. Sabine Cramer, associate professor of German and adviser to the club, said the group plans to hold the fair Saturday, April 26.

Cramer said the group is waiting to receive approval to hold the fair on the grounds of Forest Park Baptist Church at Seventh Street and Range Line Road in Joplin.

Club members have been volunteering their time to help prepare for the fair. Cramer said a baking session held at her home lasted nearly five hours.

“I do appreciate students doing things not demanded of them by school,” she said.

The group will be selling its baked goods at the fair in addition to the crafts available.

Cramer said the fair will also include a polka dance and a yodeling contest.

Jessica Puszewski, senior criminal justice major and German minor, said the club is raising money to finance its other activities.

“We go to different places like Stammisch where we speak only German,” she said.

Stammisch is a social function made in part by the University of Arkansas. Puszewski said the event features varying skill levels to accommodate all levels of German language ability.

The club also has other trips to regional cities like Kansas City and Tulsa. Puszewski said the club has activities closer to home as well, such as an Earth Day fund-raiser and German movie night.

Cramer said the club has a paid membership of about 25 people, but more are attending meetings. The club meets every other Tuesday in Webster Hall, Room 357.