Enlarge image GASA students welcomed guests singing " Der Mai ist Gekommen." (© Germany.info/Los Angeles) The German-American School Association of Southern California (GASA), the German-American League, and the Phoenix Club held their annual Maifest and Kinderfest on May 6 at the Phoenix Club in Anaheim.

Students from GASA's German Saturday and Kinderland schools, members from 20 Southern California-based German social, cultural, business and sports organizations as well as members of the German-American community came together to celebrate German culture and traditions.

Enlarge image Vice Consul Axel Zeissig addresses guests. With him are German-American League Board members, l-r, Susan Navarro, Theresa Volland, Carole Kulzer Brennan, Ellen Neu, and Barbara Kellerer. (© Germany.info/Los Angeles) The official program included the march of club flags by the Honor Guard, welcome remarks by German-American League President Ellen M. Neu, and greetings from Vice Consul Axel Zeissig on behalf of the German Consulate General.

Vice Consul Zeissig remarked how wonderful it was for him and his colleague, Nadine Boldt, to see so many children representing the German-American community at the event. He told the youngsters to keep up with their German, and to embrace the language and the culture, for this was the only way to ensure that it would continue to thrive in the Southland. He thanked the German American School Association of Southern California, the German-American League and the Phoenix Club for their steadfast commitment to fostering German heritage.

Enlarge image One of the German clubs perform a traditional dance. (© Germany.info/Los Angeles) Then it was GASA President Rita Reiff's turn to introduce her young students, who delighted guests by singing the song Der Mai ist Gekommen in German. Everyone was encouraged to join in.

The festivities continued with offerings for everyone. Activities for youngsters included arts and crafts, pony rides and a petting zoo. There was plenty of entertainment featuring tradtional song and dance performances, the dance around the Maibaum (May pole), and the crowning of the new May Queen.

Enlarge image One of the fun activities included plantings for Mother's Day. (© Germany.info/Los Angeles) Great prizes were up for grabs at the GASA drawing of raffle tickets sold as a fundraiser for the Saturday schools. Lucky winners of the top prizes went home with an Apple iPad, $ 300 in cash, and a Kindel Fire. And for those hungry and thirsty, there was plenty of delicious German food and German beer to enjoy.