Known as one of Indiana’s finest festivals and recently featured on the front cover of the Indiana Festival Guide, the Jasper Strassenfest will celebrate its 31-year anniversary July 30th through August 2nd in the southern Indiana city’s downtown.

This family-friendly street festival, celebrating the area’s rich German heritage, features carnival rides, parades, an open-air Biergarten, Polka Masses, Bratwurst-eating contest, an arts fair, numerous food vendors, chili cook-off, car show, hot air balloon race, a variety of musical entertainment and performances and dozens of unique events for youngsters and those young at heart.

Grand Marshal and native of Germany, Matthias Hilger, will welcome all visitors to the Strassenfest including Buergermeister (Mayor) Dieter Hahn and 17 others from Pfaffenweiler, Germany, Jasper’s sister city. A warm welcome will also be extended to the famous Budweiser Clydesdales, which will be part of the opening ceremonies on Thursday evening, parade on Sunday and available for viewing at various times throughout the Fest.

“We are truly honored to welcome our visitors from Pfaffenweiler as well as those from all across the United States,” said Kristen Ruhe, executive director of the Dubois County Visitors Center & Tourism Commission. “The lively atmosphere and sweet smell of German food make the Strassenfest one of Indiana’s finest festivals, attracting thousands of visitors each year. The people of Jasper and Dubois County display such pride in their German heritage and embrace the opportunity to showcase that heritage to all who visit the area, especially during the Strassenfest.”

New to this year’s Fest is the Bar-B-Q Contest, sanctioned by the Kansas City BBQ Society. Competitors will vie for qualification to the national competition.

For more information on the 31st annual Jasper (IN) Strassenfest, including a complete listing of event and activity times, visit www.jasperstrassenfest.org.