COVINGTON — Goebel Park will be transformed into a miniature version of Munich this weekend for the 23rd annual MainStrasse Village Maifest.

        Organizers of the event, billed as one of the Top Ten Festivals in Kentucky for spring 2002, expect as many as 175,000 people during the festival's three-day run, which starts tonight.

Walter Scarborough of Shiska Haus serves blackened redfish and other cajun cuisine at a kickoff lunch Thursday in Goebel Park. (Patrick Reddy photo) | ZOOM |

       

German tradition

        Based on the German tradition of welcoming the first spring wines, the event will feature works by nearly 100 artisans and craftspeople, international cuisine, and continuous live entertainment on three stages.

        The festival is expected to generate $3.5 million to $5 million for Northern Kentucky's economy, said Gary Dirheimer, festival chairman.

        “People will be visiting our local restaurants before or after the festival, stopping at gas stations, and visiting area attractions,” Mr. Dirheimer said.

        He said Maifest visitors are expected to book about 50 to 60 hotel rooms each night of the festival's run.
       

Wide appeal

        Spread over four city blocks along the Sixth Street promenade, Philadelphia Street and Goebel Park, the celebration features 27 food booths, musical entertainment ranging from German bands to pop, rock 'n' roll, blues and country music, a midway with a Ferris wheel and other rides and dozens of arts and crafts booths, including 20 newcomers.

        Clyde and Mary Wettstain arrived Thursday from Evansville, Ind., to set up their booth of oak jewelry boxes, doll furniture and picture frames.

IF YOU GO

• What: 23rd annual MainStrasse Village Maifest.     • When: 5-11 p.m. today, noon-11 p.m. Saturday, noon-9 p.m. Sunday.     • Where: Four city blocks along the Sixth Street Promenade and Philadelphia Street and extending into Goebel Park in Covington's MainStrasse Village     • Special features: Crafts, rides, musical entertainment ranging from German bands to pop, rock, blues and country, and international cuisine.     • Shuttle: Free shuttle service runs continuously to the MainStrasse Village Maifest from the following locations: The Westin Hotel in Cincinnati, the IRS parking lot at Fourth and Johnson streets in Covington, the parking lot near Jillian's in Covington, Covington city parking lots at Seventh Street and Scott Boulevard and the RiverCenter complex, and the Fifth Third Bank parking lot on Dixie Highway in Fort Wright.     • Information: For directions or other information, call the MainStrasse Village Association events line at (513) 357-MAIN.

        “We've been coming for 18 years,” said Mrs. Wettstain, adding she and her husband normally do 22 shows a year.

        “The people who come to (Maifest) are pretty good shoppers.”

        About 25 to 30 plainclothes police and uniformed officers will patrol the festival area from Fifth to Seventh streets and from Interstate 75 to Johnson Street, as well as alleys and streets just outside the barricaded festival area.

        Police also will watch for underage drinkers, Covington Police Capt. Dave Finan said.

        “We want everyone to have a good time, but we're asking them to use a little restraint,” Capt. Finan said. “This is a family event.”
       

Food choices

        Besides the usual German strudel, bratwurst and potato pancakes, Maifest will feature a variety of international cuisine — everything from Chinese to Mediterranean, organizers said.

        At a kick-off luncheon Thursday, Walter Scarborough of Shiska Haus urged passersby to try crawfish “brought all the way from New Orleans.”

        “We've been coming to Maifest since the second or third year,” said the North Avondale man, sporting his usual eye-catching attire topped off by a red top hat while dishing out cajun cuisine.

        “I love this event because people are open to trying all kinds of food.”
       

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