New Braunfels in Comal County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Wurstfest
Initially the festival was held at the National Guard Armory, Landa Park and on Main Plaza. In 1967, the festival was moved to this industrial site originally developed in 1850 by William H. Meriwether who diverted the Comal River for a millrace to operate his grain mills. In 1860, Joseph Landa started Landa Industries at this location that later became Dittlinger Mills. Several buildings from the industrial era are utilized for the festival. In 1968, the celebration expanded to ten days.
The festival is hosted by the Wurstfest Association of New Braunfels, a non-profit corporation whose mission is to promote the economy through tourism and preserve the community's rich German heritage. Leadership and manpower required to oversee operations is provided by the 150-plus Wurstfest Association members along with many volunteers and temporary employees.
In addition to business vendors, local clubs and organizations operate food and merchandise concessions to raise funds that benefit their projects and programs. The festival is known for its variety of unique foods prepared and served by hometown folks, the best in Alpine and Bavarian style musical entertainment and its beautiful setting along the banks of the spring-fed Comal River.
Erected 2017 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 18682.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Entertainment • Industry & Commerce • Parks & Recreational Areas. A significant historical year for this entry is 1961.
Location. 29° 42.502′ N, 98° 7.839′ W. Marker is in New Braunfels, Texas, in Comal County. Marker is on Elizabeth Avenue, 0.2 miles east of Landa Park Drive, on the right when traveling east. The marker is located at the northeast gate (#3) to the Wurstfest festival grounds. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 120 Landa Park Drive, New Braunfels TX 78130, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. First Patented Wire Fence (approx. 0.2 miles away); Meriwether Milling (approx. ¼ mile away); The Grotto (approx. 0.4 miles away); The Church of Saints Peter and Paul (approx. 0.4 miles away); New Braunfels (approx. 0.4 miles away); The Old San Antonio Road (approx. 0.4 miles away); Landa Park (approx. 0.4 miles away); Founder's Oak (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in New Braunfels.
Also see . . . Wurstfest History - Sprechen sie tradition?. Wurstfest
The first year it was “Sausage Festival”, later “Wurst Week”, and finally “WURSTFEST”. What he thought would be a typical small town festival was conceived by Ed A. Grist, who was a practicing veterinarian and city meat inspector. At the time, no one anticipated the phenomenal success this festival would achieve.(Submitted on November 21, 2022, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.)
Credits. This page was last revised on November 22, 2022. It was originally submitted on November 20, 2022, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 111 times since then and 18 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on November 22, 2022, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.