WINSTON WEEKLY©[1]

September 14, 2025

Vol. 3, No. 37

FESTIVE FALL[2]

Hermann, Missouri[3] is quintessential festive fall. In addition to the Herman Farm Heritage Festival on September 27 celebrating its German heritage, the Harvest Festival is the same day, followed by an October filled with Oktoberfest celebrations. There is even a German Polka Mass on Sunday, October 12!

The Loehnig German Band performs every Saturday in October at the Historic Festhall at the Inn at Hermannhof. For more than fifty years, the band has specialized in waltzes, polka, and yodeling. At the corner of First and Gutenberg near the Missouri River, the Inn has eight suites, each named after a historic Missouri Steamer. Built in the 1860s and rebuilt in 1886, the Inn was featured in the 2022 movie, A Christmas Vintage.

Although many activities in Hermann are geared toward adults given the wineries and distilleries, an abundance of sights and sounds are perfect for children. Hermann Riverfront Park is home to the Hermann Paddlewheel. Passing boats and bald eagles are often seen near the Riverfront Walking Trail. Families frequently picnic in the area, fostering conversations about life along the river and the majestic birds.

The Harvest Festival is a family-friendly event with food trucks, interactive vendors, and an abundance of crafts and activities. Held at the Hermann Ampitheater, the vendors are too numerous for a weekly newsletter, so only two are noted here. Tickle Me Pickles not only has pickles, but other veggies and salsa. Check out Mutzie’s Baits, featuring an abundance of artificial baits sure to inspire new and experienced anglers.

THIS WEEK’S ACTIVITY

See how many words you can create with the letters in Hermann and German and then create a crossword puzzle from the words you create.

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[1] A Sunday newsletter and blog by Alysen Bayles to be shared with the appropriate attribute.

[2]Resources: Dee Hoover, Hermann, Missouri: A Walk through History, Reedy Press, July 2025; https://www.visithermann.com.

[3]Hermann is a favorite spot of mine, not only because the amazing Jenna Thompson hosted my first author event, but because there is so much history amid beauty, along with incredible food and friendly people. Jenna is the Owner & CEO of Hilltop Home & Design. Instagram: @hilltophomeanddesign.