Vereinsfahne

Join us for our Fahnenweihe, September 1, 2013!

In keeping with our mission to promote the culture of Bavaria through folk dancing, costumes, and traditions, Enzian Schuhplattler voted in 2011 to purchase a custom-made Vereinsfahne from Germany.

A Vereinsfahne is a four-foot-square velvet flag, hand-embroidered with symbols meaningful to our Verein (club). One side of the flag will feature a couple wearing our Tracht (costume), along with the date the club was founded and the date on which the flag will be dedicated. The other side will feature an artistic rendering of geographical and architectural features that evoke the Seattle area—notably, Mount Rainier, and the Space Needle, among other things. A picture of a Fahne similar to what we are planning is below. The process of designing and making the flag takes about a year.

All clubs in Bavaria—Trachten clubs like ours, but also bands, shooting clubs, religious organizations, and the like—have one of these Fahne. A Fahne represents the heart and soul of a Verein, and it pictures for the world the things that the Verein holds dear. It is a rallying symbol for the club. The Fahne will be carried in parades, exhibited at Gaufeste (both here and in Bavaria), and will be displayed at other events where appropriate.

A Fahne, if properly cared for, may last fifty years or more. Because Fahnen are handmade and feature substantial quantities of embroidery, they cost over $10,000, so this is a large undertaking. We have worked with club member Chris Barnes, artist par excellence, to design the Fahne and are hoping the sewing will start soon. We welcome donations toward the purchase of the Fahne.

If you would like to join us in this endeavor, and to show your love for Bavarian culture by helping us obtain a Fahne, we would be happy to accept donations. About a third of the money for the Fahne will come directly from our treasury, and club members have also made or pledged donations, but there is still a substantial sum to be raised.

Enzian Schuhplattler is recognized by the IRS under section 501(c)(3) of the tax code. Donations made to our organization are tax deductible (check with your tax advisor). A receipt with our tax ID number will be provided, on request. Donations may be mailed to Enzian Schuhplattler, PO Box 246, Kirkland, WA 09083-0246 (please note on the check "Fahne") or may be given to any Enzian officer. If your employer matches employee donations, please also submit the matching donation paperwork.

Those donating will be recognized on our Web site and in the program when we hold the dedication for the flag. Of course, your donation can be anonymous, if you prefer. This is an exciting time in the life of our club, and we hope you will join with us to support Enzian Schuhplattler as we celebrate this next step.

Fahne Donations

$500 or more

$100–$499

Up to $99

If you would like to download a copy of the fundraising letter, click here.