Corie Eckerle
2025-2026 Jasper Strassenfest Chairman
Welcome to the 2025 Jasper Strassenfest! I am delighted to welcome you to this spirited celebration of our German heritage, and the pride we share in our Jasper community.
This year, we celebrate the 40th anniversary partnership of Jasper and its Sister City of Pfaffenweiler, Germany. In 1847, 85 residents of Pfaffenweiler, Germany, headed to America on a 52-day sailing journey Family names included Baumann, Beck, Brucker, Blattmann, Daeschle, Eckerle, Eckert, Erb, Georg, Kiefer, Kraft, Lang, Schmidt, Schuble, Steinle, Stenftenagel and Zipfel. In the early 1980s, a reinterest in Jasper’s origins spawned a reconnection with Pfaffenweiler, and formally established them as our Sister City – 138 years after the eventful trip – reigniting a strong bond between families and cities. Throughout the years, this relationship has flourished – fostering student, employer, artist and chef exchanges to help share each other’s cultures and traditions. In acknowledgement and celebration of these 40 years, we welcome special guests from Pfaffenweiler – and invite them, and you, to participate in a festival that would not have happened without the courage of those 13 families – many which can still be found in Jasper and Pfaffenweiler to this day.
I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge the 50th anniversary of the Jasper Arts, a department operating within the City of Jasper who tirelessly strives to bring world class visual, musical, dance, and theatrical arts experiences to Jasper. This department works to make Jasper a unique city of its size, in being able to offer these rich experiences to our residents and surrounding areas. I encourage you to stop into the Thyen-Clark Cultural Center soon, or make future plans to come back for a workshop, gallery exhibit or stage performance at the Auditorium – you will not be disappointed!
Strassenfest is not only my favorite time of year because of the traditions and celebrations, but to feel the community come together as one; to work hand in hand with Dubois County Not-For-Profits in creating an atmosphere of hospitality and prosperity. The funds generated via the Food & Game Booths and Events at our 4 day festival go directly back to the people of our community – a source of pride knowing others continue to look out for their neighbors and invest back into our community. One of the many reasons I love to call Jasper home. I hope you enjoy the festivities and create lasting memories. I know that is my plan!
On behalf of all the hardworking volunteers of the Jasper Strassenfest Committee:
Willkommen to the 47th Annual Jasper Strassenfest!
