What is Schmeckfest?

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Schmeckfest means "festival of tasting" in German. In the beginning, it was all about the food (see History). But it has become much more than that. Schmeckfest is a celebration of the rich heritage of the Freeman community.

All activities take place on the Freeman Academy campus and include many experiences including great food to purchase, craft demonstrations, fine arts performances, buffet-style meal, historical presentations, and food preparation demonstrations. Then, each evening is culminated in a musical production put on by talented community members.

All events, except for the meal, musical production and activities at the museum are free and open to the public.

Festival of Tasting … tell me more …

If you can appreciate savory and sweet tastes from old-world traditions made lovingly by hands young and old there are many ways to indulge.

In addition to the meal you can pick up treats and staples from the Country Kitchen and The Schmeck Shop all through the afternoon in Sterling Hall.

Many, many people purchase our famous Schmeckfest Sausage in bulk and you can too!

Want to share your own baked goods or other delicacies with others, then you should know that donations are accepted at the county kitchen. We thank you in advance!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Are all activities indoors? Is it all under one roof?

A. All activities are indoors in multiple buildings on the beautiful Freeman Academy camps - Pioneer Hall, Sterling Hall, Frontier Hall, Maintenance Building, Heritage Hall Museum. All buildings are connected by sidewalks.

Q. Is booth space available for private vendors?

A. No. Space is limited and all proceeds are designated to benefit Freeman Academy.

Q. Is there a place to rest during the afternoon?

A. Yes. There are benches in several locations on the campus. There are tables and chairs in Sterling Hall where you may rest or enjoy an afternoon snack.

Spotlight Demonstrations

We have the pleasure to highlight master bakers and cooks while they give in-depth educational mini-classes on several Germans-from-Russia foods. These spotlight demonstrations will be located in Sterling Hall:

  • Friday: Pumpkin Rolls: Amy Waltner - 2:00
    Saturday: Fruit Pockets: Digna Miller - 2:00
  • Poppyseed Rolls : LaVonne Brockmueller - 3:00
  • Cheese Pockets : Lacey Friesen - 4:00

Additional Activities

These activities will take place around the Freeman Academy Campus

  • Country Kitchen Market : 1 - 7pm (Sterling Hall)
  • Schmeck Snack Shoppe : 12 - 6:30pm (Sterling Hall)
  • New Year Cookies : 1 - 6pm (Maintenance Building)
  • Sausage-making demonstrations/sales : 1 - 7pm (Maintenance Building)

Heritage Hall Museum & Archives

Our local museum has two large exhibit halls and four historical buildings full of artifacts that share stories and insights about the rich history of the greater Freeman community. The museum is open 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. during Schmeckfest. See the museum's website for more details.

Activities include:

  • Self-guided Tours, (including four historical buildings) - All Day
  • Artisan Demonstrations - 1-6
  • Historical/Artifact Presentations - 1-5
  • Special activities for kids and families including our 20 Questions scavenger hunt - All Day
  • Mercantile (no admission charge) features the works of local artisans and authors - All Day

Note: Wristband admission includes two-day come-and-go access. We offer a $20 family pass for parents and all children through grade 12.