COVINGTON — Mark Balasa's business cards leave no doubt as to his role in life: “goetta evangelist.”

        As the marketing and sales manager of Glier's Goetta Co. here, Mr. Balasa has made a career out of promoting the German comfort food of steel-cut pinhead oatmeal, pork, beef and seasonings.

Mark Balasa calls himself a “goetta evangelist.” (Patrick Reddy photos) | ZOOM |

        Now Mr. Balasa hopes to share favorite goetta stories with others at the MainStrasse Village Association's first Goettafest on June 23.

        “This will be a chance for people to share their favorite childhood stories about goetta and eat new forms of goetta,” Mr. Balasa said. “It'll be a total celebration of all things goetta. We'll have goetta pizza, goetta sausage, goetta omelets, maybe even goetta tacos.”

        The festival will feature the crowning of a goetta king and queen, the sale of a cookbook featuring local goetta recipes, a square-dancing demonstration and other activities for children and adults.

        Celebrants also can learn about the region's German heritage from the German American Civic League and register for prizes that include a year's supply of goetta.

        The event will take place in Goebel Park from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. June 23 and will coincide with the Fifth Third Art Show on the nearby Sixth Street islands.

        Known for sponsoring Mardi Gras, Maifest and Oktoberfest, the MainStrasse Village Association hopes to draw more families to the German-themed neighborhood with events like Goettafest.

Jessica Arnold enjoys a goetta burger. | ZOOM |

        “I think this shows you can sponsor things in the neighborhood where you don't have to have a beer in your hand,” said Artie Kidwell, a lifelong goetta eater and festival organizer. “If I have my way, there will be other events like this.”

        “We're definitely hoping it's real successful,” said neighborhood activist Sandy Arnold. “I'm hoping it brings some families into the area, and they become aware of what we have to offer, not just the park, but the restaurants, the shops, and the unique architecture.”

        Mrs. Arnold, a critic of the village association's rowdy 2000 Mardi Gras, said she hopes the goettafest brings some positive attention to the neighborhood and shows celebrants they can have fun without alcohol.

        “I hope it just draws people out, so people can meet one another,” she said.

       For information on Glier's Goettafest, call the MainStrasse Village Association at (859) 491-0458.

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