About 52 people attended this year and again came from near and far. (That number may be low as there were a few who didn’t get the opportunity to sign in.) Kathleen Kelly came in from New York City, and of course, Bill and Monica Peters from Sarasota, Florida. There were also the Schönfelders from Texas and the Elli family from Chicago. Others drove from as close as two miles and from as far as 120 miles. It is always appreciated that people make such an effort to attend. Mike Kirchmeier, who ended up sleeping in his truck last year because he couldn’t find a hotel room was able to find a spot on a nice comfy couch this year. There were many new faces and also ones who come back regularly year after year. Real friendships are starting to form that can only happen when meeting in person.

An attempt to call Klaus Gerger, who was having a Burgenland Bunch gathering simultaneously in Burgenland, was complicated by the use of cell phones. Unknown about the two phones that were available was that neither Service plan included the ability to call internationally. About an hour later, someone discovered there was a pay phone just around the corner. So the call was completed using a calling card. Unfortunately, the gathering in Burgenland was already done. Happily, we were able to speak to Klaus and find out that his get-together was successful and even included two Americans from Chicago. We are still waiting for our first attendees from Burgenland and have high hopes some will be coming next year!

Again, the food that was brought to share was great!!! Rosemary Stifter made two kinds of Strudel that were wonderful! One was poppy seed and apple and the other was apple and currant. You had to act fast to be fortunate enough to have a piece of either! There were many beautiful and delicious salads and desserts, and no one left hungry. There seemed to be two distinct groups of people. Those who came to do some serious research and share data, and those who came to just enjoy themselves and socialize. Regardless of what camp you were in, everyone seemed to have a good time. Some people had pictures to share about their recent trips to Burgenland, and some were discussing plans for their trips coming up in the near future. Some brought their portable PC’s and really got down to business. Pictures, books and data were exchanged all around. There were several door prizes awarded, three of which were provided by Klaus Gerger. After a snafu caused by the fact that the names from last year were left in the box, the prizes were finally given away to the happy winners.

Reflecting on all that has transpired through history since Burgenlanders started to immigrate to the United States, it is a wonderment that we all gather to celebrate our heritage, brave ancestors, and the place we all love whether in the U.S. or Austria: Burgenland.

Susan Peters, Minnesota (USA)