Where is the center for German traditions in Sacramento? It’s right here, at the Turn Verein, where folks with German ancestry and people with an interest in German culture congregate – to socialize, to study German, to party, to exercise, and to carry on some old German traditions – like Oktoberfest, Karneval, Erntedankfest, Bockbierfest, and other fun events. Many drive past this building at 3349 J Street, curious to know what those German words “Turn Verein,” mean. Many are surprised to learn that they mean “Gymnastic Club.”

It all started in the early 1800s at a time when the many small German states in Europe started moving toward liberation and unification. Promoters of democratic reforms began training in vigorous physical exercise (referred to as “patriotic gymnastics”) as a means toward that end. Thus the Turn Verein movement grew – and spread to America.

The German nation was finally born in 1871. The Sacramento Turn Verein, founded in 1854, is the oldest still-active institution in our great city.

Next Event at the Turn Verein:

42nd Annual Bockbierfest
Friday & Saturday, April 2 & 3, 2010
Dance music by the ever popular Europa Bavarian Band – Friday, Main Hall
The Gruber Family Band- Saturday, Main Hall
Banquet Hall dance music by AKALIVE
Friday & Saturday evening Special German folk dance presentation by the Camtia Schuhplattler Group
Musical presentation by the STV Harmonie
Open: Fri., April 2nd at 6 p.m. & Sat., April 3rd at 5 p.m. $10 per person cover charge (Children 6-12 $5.00)
Dancing from 7:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
German Food, Bockbier from Germany, Biergarten, Wine, Champagne, & Kaffeehaus

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German town marks first anniversary of school massacre
The town of Winnenden remembers the first anniversary of Germany's biggest school shooting to date. Yet in the midst of the mourning, there is disagreement on how best to prevent such attacks.

Archbishop will report to Pope on abuse in German church schools
German archbishop Robert Zollitsch is set to meet Pope Benedict XVI for discussions on sexual abuse against children at church institutions. Meanwhile, the Pope faces questions on whether he knew anything of such crimes.

Traveling to Germany 'breaks down prejudices,' new stats reveal
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Left ... out? One woman's politics cloud citizenship chances
How far left is too left, when it comes to becoming a German? A woman raised in the country has applied for citizenship, but due to her politics, the outlook is dim.

Survivors, academics recall dark episode in Germany's postwar history
Former inmates of internment camps set up by the Soviets following World War II met with academics at Buchenwald on Saturday. Little was known about the Soviet camps until after the fall of the East German regime.

German mom-and-pop stores make comeback with modern twist
Many small German towns used to have a local convenience store where residents met to shop and gossip. Most of these were forced out of business by supermarkets, but the concept is now being revived, with a modern spin.

German exports fall as recovery slows
Exports in Europe's biggest economy dropped by 6.3 percent in January, raising fresh worries about the state of the German economy. Meanwhile, China's exports surged 46 percent in February.

Merkel backs European Monetary Fund
German Chancellor Angela Merkel is backing plans for a European Monetary Fund, as Germany and France outline plans to regulate financial market speculation.

Court decision backs cheated investors
Following a ruling Tuesday, brokerage firms in Germany and abroad can now be on the hook for not looking out for the best interests of their investors.

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