By Scott Meeker

smeeker@joplinglobe.com

FREISTATT, Mo. — It’s time to break out the lederhosen.

The Freistatt Lions Club will present the 36th annual Ernte Fest from 4:30 p.m. to midnight today and Saturday. The festival grounds are located between Mount Vernon and Monett on H Highway.

A fund-raiser for the charities supported by the Lions Club, the event has become a popular regional celebration of German heritage.

“As soon as it’s over, we’re starting plans for the next one,” said club member Jerry Sitton. “It’s become a year round deal.”

Sitton said the event features a bier garten, polka music and bratwurst — all the essentials for an authentic celebration.

“We have people come in German lederhosen and the gals in their dresses,” he said. “There’s not a whole bunch, but there are some people who come dressed in German fashions.”

Ernte Fest — which means “harvest festival” — was first held in 1974 at the community building in downtown Freistatt. That first year, a tornado hit and blew the piano off of a wagon that was being used as a makeshift stage.

The event quickly grew in popularity and required more space than was available at the community building. The club soon purchased 40 acres on the north side of town as a place to hold the festival.

Sitton said that since its inception, Ernte Fest has raised close to $600,000 for club charities, which include purchasing glasses for children who need them, funding scholarships for local high-school students and other assistance programs.

One of the highlights is seeing how the community supports the event, said Sitton.

“The whole community comes out and works to prepare for it,” he said.

Ernte Fest will include games, a horse-drawn merry-go-round and rides for kids. Live music will be offered both nights. The Johnnie Zibert Band will perform German music from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m., followed by The Sauerkrauts from 8 p.m. to midnight. On the second stage, country rock group Southern Green will be featured at 8 p.m. today, and Side FX at 8 p.m. Saturday. Only adults ages 21 and older and children accompanied by parents will be admitted to the bier garten.

There is a $3 parking fee per car. Dinner — which includes bratwurst, sauerkraut, German potato salad and more — is $7 for adults and $3.50 for children.