Brenham in Washington County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
The Brenham Maifest
Photographed by James Hulse, January 8, 2021
1. The Brenham Maifest Marker
The Brenham Maifest has evolved from the German Volksfest, a spring festival carried to this area by German Texans who settled near Brenham. When the Brenham Fire Department assumed the duties of the Volksfest Association in 1880, the exclusively German celebration was opened to the public, and the name Maifest was adopted. With the exception of three years during World War I, the fire department organized the annual festival from 1880 until 1942. Discontinued During World War II, Maifest was revived in 1948, and by 1951 the Maifest Association was established, with proceeds from the festivities designated for the young people of Brenham.
Maifest activities begin in February with a serenade and presentation of the Maifest Queens and Kings. Later, on a May weekend, the Maifest Royalties, selected for outstanding leadership from among the city's young people, are formally crowned in Fireman's Park. The weekend includes dances, parades, and a Maifestival with food, games, and demonstrations.
Many of the early German traditions are still visible in the annual Brenham Maifest. This cultural continuity, practiced for more than 100 years, provides an important historical link to a rich heritage.
Erected 1983 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 8308.)
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Location. 30° 10.405′ N, 96° 23.995′ W. Marker is in Brenham, Texas, in Washington County. It is on North Park Street (Business U.S. 36) 0.1 miles north of North Market Street, on the left when traveling north. The marker is located on the east side of the City of Brenham - Fireman's Park along North Park Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Brenham TX 77833, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the American South and on the Gulf Coast. Globally, it is in North America, a Gulf of Mexico state, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain, the Republic of Texas, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Flying Horses Carousel (within shouting distance of this marker); Horse Facts of the American Carousel (within shouting distance of this marker); Community of Support & Respect for our Past (within shouting distance of this marker); Fireman's Park (within shouting distance of this marker); Golden Age of the American Carousel (within shouting distance of this marker); Lest They Be Forgotten (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Washington County Veterans of WWI (about 300 feet away); Brenham Public Library (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Brenham.
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. This is the other
Photographed by James Hulse, January 8, 2021
2. The Brenham Maifest Marker
The marker is located along North Park Street outside of the Fireman's Park
Additional commentary.
1.
There are two instances of this marker. One is this one at Firemen's Park and the other is next to the bandstand at the courthouse. The photos on this page show both markers in their current locations. As of April, 2023 both markers are still visible in Google Street View.
— Submitted May 18, 2024, by Gregory Moore of Splendora, Texas.
Photographed by Gregory Walker, February 5, 2010
3. The Duplicate of the Maifest Marker
An exact copy of this marker is located at the bandstand near the courthouse
Credits. This page was last revised on May 19, 2024. It was originally submitted on March 21, 2010, by Gregory Walker of La Grange, Texas. This page has been viewed 1,335 times since then and 33 times this year. Last updated on January 11, 2021, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on January 11, 2021, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. 3. submitted on March 21, 2010, by Gregory Walker of La Grange, Texas. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
