Willkommen Zum Jasper Strassenfest!
This year’s theme is “Celebrating Jasper’s Commitment to Higher Education – VU Jasper 50th Anniversary”. Jasper has had that commitment since 1889 when the Jasper College was first opened on Ninth Street. The last class of Jasper College graduated in 1933. In 1958, a group of Jasper businessmen formed the Committee of Higher Education and Related Events (COHERE) with the goal of bringing back higher education opportunities to Jasper, Dubois County and the surrounding area. 
This goal was realized in 1970 when Vincennes University agreed to bring an extension center to Jasper and VU Jasper was formed. VU Jasper is located on a 130-acre campus south of Jasper on Hwy 162. They continue to grow and evolve as the needs of our area changes, as exemplified by the most recent addition of the VU Jasper Center for Technology, Innovation and Manufacturing. The Jasper Strassenfest Committee is very excited to spotlight VU Jasper and help them celebrate their 50th anniversary and Jasper’s commitment to higher education.
The Strassenfest Committee works hard all year to bring you a top-quality festival – and this year is no exception. New this year, we’re introducing the Strassenfest Half-Pot with proceeds benefitting Dubois County Scholastic Excellence Award Scholarships, as well as other improvements to the Jasper Strassenfest & community outreach projects. Tickets will be on sale the month of July in the Jasper Chamber of Commerce Office (10am to 2pm, Mon-Fri), as well as on the square during the Strassenfest (more details can be found in the book). Last year, we introduced Thursday night as German Heritage night and it was a great success. So, we invite you to don your dirndls and lederhosen for a full immersion in our German heritage with events including the Schuhplattler & Landler Dances, Chocolate Bliss Schokospiel and the Dad’s Root Bier Mug Holding Contest, just to name a few. As always, we continue to offer a wide variety of entertainment, events, food and beverages throughout the weekend. The Jasper Strassenfest is very unique in that the booths and events are organized and run by Dubois County non-profits – so money spent here goes back to benefit the community. The committee thanks those groups that are involved. You are what makes this festival so special! Please refer to the Jasper Strassenfest program book and website for a complete listing of items.
On behalf of the Jasper Strassenfest Committee, I’d like to extend a heartfelt welcome to the 42nd Annual Jasper Strassenfest. Thank you for your support!
Kim Lottes
Chairperson
