by Madison Sharp | Oct 15, 2019 | Galleries, News Slider
Racing dachshunds, Bavarian hats, traditional German food and beverage and ax-throwing all are part of the mix that makes Oktoberfest one of Nashville’s favorite cultural celebrations. Each year almost a quarter of a million people come out to the free, 10-block festival in the Germantown neighborhood, the city’s traditional German settlement which now has been transformed by countless condominium and residential developments. The fest — which ran Oct. 12-13 — begins each year with the Oktoberfest 5K run; then vendors and celebrants settle in for a day of all things German, including food, beer, crafts and clothing. And there’s always room for more German stuff, according to Jackie Sharpnack, of the I Love Oktoberfest booth. “This is my 12th Oktoberfest, and we thought the festival needed even more German heritage, so we opened this booth selling Bavarian hats, German steins, edelweiss jewelry, just so we can bring some of our German heritage to the festival,” she said. She and many others with German roots come to the festival for a taste of home. The history of the worldwide Oktoberfest celebrations dates back to the early 1800s. A royal marriage took place between Crown Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese, the couple invited the citizens of Munich, Germany, to celebrate with them. After, the celebration has been held to commemorate the grand party over the world. Despite the festival seeming like one big party, there were children, families, and dogs by the thousands in attendance at the festival. Over 150 dachshund’s attended the festival as competitors. These pups ran 50 feet to determine the fest’s annual Dachshund Derby...
by Crystal Davis | Mar 8, 2012 | News Slider
With some musician friends in town for the week, I knew I’d be in charge of entertaining. Entertaining means late nights for me. I don’t do late nights well with my class schedule, but sometimes you’ve got to step out of the box and have some fun. We all went to this great little hidden restaurant called City House in Germantown. There were about 15 of us all gathered around this long table situated in the middle of the main dining floor. We jumped at the chance to order one big dinner that we would all share. After 30 seconds of contemplation we ordered 10 pizzas consisting of zucchini, hot sauce, pork and cheese. We also got five bowls of fried octopus and calamari. I know, gross! Actually, though, it was really good. The owner cooked in the kitchen, which was open for everyone on the main dining floor to see. After we ate, we sat there for about 10 minutes holding our stomachs and talking about how amazing the food was. My friend was boasting about how amazing City House was because he picked it. We nodded in sarcastic agreement. We were too stuffed to argue. After dinner, we got a few taxis into town to find a spot to hang out away from the country bars and restaurants downtown. I’m not much of a “hang out in a crowd and get pushed around” type of girl. Nor do I like having to scream at my friend to have a conversation. Therefore, we decided to go to Patterson House on Division St. in Nashville. It’s a really cool...
by Rachel Carden | Sep 5, 2010 | News Slider
Arrangements of large sunflowers and peach-colored roses line the front wall of the Ezell Chapel on August 31, the day of the memorial service honoring Liz LaVelle’s life. Liz was a 2009-2010 freshman at Lipscomb from Germantown, Tennessee. She was killed in an auto accident on her way to Nashville on July 28. To the right of the room stands a large portrait of Liz lying in the grass with a beautiful smile from ear to ear. As her family begins to arrive, laughter, hugs, and the murmurs of conversation slowly begin to fill the room. The mood overall is not a somber or sad one as reminiscent stories are shared. Dr. Scott McDowell welcomes the throng of people who have come to honor Liz. There is not an open seat in the room as more and more people pile in and stand in the back. Dr. Harold Hazelip prays the prayer of Psalm 23 and introduces Dr. Dave LaVelle, Liz’s father. A teary-eyed Dr. Lavelle accounts the story of Liz’s life and restates over and over again how much Liz was loved by her family and was very close to her cousins. He said she was very committed to the Lord and was spiritually growing all the time. Liz was baptized when she was 10 years old, stating that she “wanted everyone in the family to baptize her.” Liz was a psychology major pursuing a career at Agape. “Liz’s future was bright,” said her father. “She could draw, paint, sing and write. She had a lot of talent and a bright future. “We’re faced with reality. The reality...
