Suafen und Spiel Parade - 2017

Once again we had fantastic weather for the Johnsburg Suafen und Spiel Parade on Sunday, September 10th. 

By the way, the name "Saufen und Spiel" means "drink and play". People gathered at the home of Len & Mary Keil to enjoy a light breakfast of bagels, donuts, sweet roll and the legendary Joan Schellin almond cake.

We had a variety of vehicles this year. Some of the participants had help removing their Thunderbird car tops before heading out to the Parade. The cars lined up and were led by a police car (with lights and siren) out of the exit of the Keils' subdivision and all the way to the designated line-up spot. While the cars were waiting for the Parade to start, the Parade watchers were getting bloody Marys and finding a suitable spot to view everything.

Most of the cars carried Johnsburg Village officials and displayed magnetic signs. We were given mass quantities of candy to throw along the route. All drivers agreed that this year the pace was slower than in the past. So slow, in fact, that Len Keil's car overheated and he had to pull over. The Parade ended at a field where the cars lined up for display. There were also a few Corvettes in the field. The Village treated the drivers to liquid refreshments. 

Some of us discovered the band inside the meeting hall and enjoyed a few quick dances before heading back to the Keils' for a delicious buffet lunch featuring brats and hot dogs grilled by Larry Keil. Once the Bears' game was over, people watched news of hurricane Irma in Florida and were thinking of our many members who have homes there. Finally, tops were replaced and we all headed home. An enormous thank you to Len & Mary for coordinating and hosting this event for the sixth year! 

Taking part in this year's festivities were: Dan & Karen Anderson, Bill & Jane Balogh, Pete & Lisa Ekstrom, Art Hahl, Len & Mary Keil, Larry & Karen Kelly, Ed Levin & Rose Kovalenko, Pete & Marylu Kramer, Dean & Beth Molburg, Dan Mrozek, Jerry & Pat Peterson, Lloyd & Joan Schellin, Ken & Kathy Smizinski, Len Vinyard, Liz Werth, and Jim Wilson.