Alley Kats polka band new to this year's Germanfest celebration      

[OCT. 8, 2005]  The public is invited to the upcoming Germanfest, a celebration featuring a traditional German meal and four hours of polka music. Germanfest has become a favorite annual tradition in Lincoln, with benefits going to St. John United Church of Christ mission projects.

New this year is a drive-through lane and free delivery, with some limitations that apply. "We think this will speed up the carryout process and allow us to serve many more meals in a timely fashion," said Germanfest co-chair Aaron Johnson of Latham. Wayne Mara and Carolyn Pech, both of Lincoln, are the other co-chairs.

The day's meal features bratwurst or hot dog, German potato salad, red cabbage, sauerkraut, applesauce and apple strudel, German chocolate cake or angel food cake. Drink choices are apple cider, lemonade, tea and coffee.

The Alley Kats are a ballroom band versatile in polka music. They will set up in one of two large tents to be erected on the church parking lot. The other tent, close enough to watch the dancing, is for serving and eating.

From the lower left: Dan Franke, Terry Dutko, Tom Roussin. Upper left: Stan Soboleski and  Dallas Blair.

Band leader and electronic accordion player Terry J. Dutko of Granite City organized the Alley Kats over 20 years ago. Tom Roussin -- at saxophone, clarinet, flute and piccolo, as well as vocals -- has been with the group around 16 years and hails from St. Louis. Drummer Stan Soboleski of Fenton, Mo., joined over a decade ago. Dan Franke of Belleville and Dallas Blair of Clayton, Mo., completed the current lineup about three years ago. Franke is featured on guitar and Blair on the trumpet, and both also contribute on vocals.

"The congregation looks forward to the celebration each year," Johnson said. "It provides us an opportunity to serve the public while assisting those in need through our donations."

The event takes place Saturday, Oct. 15, at St. John United Church of Christ, and centers on the church parking lot at the corner of Eighth and Maple streets. Hours for the dinner and polka band are 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Plans are for the drive-through lane to begin at the Eighth Street entrance to the small parking lot that serves Lincoln Health Care Specialists at the hospital. The serving line will be at the south end of that lot.

Cost is $7 per meal; children under six eat free. The number to call for free delivery of meals is 732-6957. At least six meals must be purchased at the same phone number with advance tickets from the church office or from a parishioner. Shut-ins can also have meals delivered free.

For more information, contact Abraham Lincoln Tourism Bureau of Logan County at [phone] or visit www.tourlogancounty.com.

[News release]

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