Dan Glier, president of Glier Meats, stirs a pot of goetta. (Michael E. Keating photo) | ZOOM |

        COVINGTON — Forget the beer, beads and bare breasts.

        After last year's Mardi Gras problems, the MainStrasse Village Association has decided to sponsor more family-oriented activities.

        Its first alternative: Goetta Fest.

        Scheduled for June 23 in Goebel Park, the festival will pay tribute to the German-style breakfast food made of pork, beef and oatmeal.

        A celebrity Goetta King and Queen will open the one-day event.

        There also will be a recipe contest, a goetta “skills” competition, and samples of goetta products from pizza to sausage to omelets.

        Known for sponsoring Mardi Gras, Maifest and Oktoberfest, the MainStrasse association is betting on events like Goetta Fest to lure more families to the German-themed village.

        “We don't want to be known for just three major festivals that revolve around beer,” said Paul Wolgin, the village association's operations director.

        The shift was largely prompted by last year's Mardi Gras, which led to complaints by MainStrasse residents of widespread public urination, vandalism, litter and nudity.

        The 2001 Mardi Gras was canceled, but Covington officials have not ruled out the possibility of future Mardi Gras celebrations, provided residents' concerns are addressed.

        The idea for Goetta Fest arose about two months ago when an executive from Glier's Meats in Covington addressed the MainStrasse Village Association.

        Dan Glier, president of the second-generation family business, said his com pany sees the festival as a worthwhile community event that could expose a broader audience to the comfort food.

        Mr. Wolgin said the village association hopes to combine Goetta Fest with the Summer Art Festival and hold a children's art show on the Sixth Street islands.

        Other events the association is considering are a Halloween Fest, an indoor Winter Fest and an event showcasing local educational activities, Mr. Wolgin said.

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