Bratwurst supporters go German at the Super Bowl Village
Enthusiastic German-Americans summoned the spirit of the Strassenfest on Wednesday as the Schnitzelbank competed in the Indiana Super 46 Sandwich Playoffs in Indianapolis.
Members of the Dubois County Tourism Commission, the Jasper German Club, and others accompanied the Schnitzelbank to the Super Bowl Village, where their bratwurst competed head-to-head with Rock Cola’s Mile-High Club sandwich before a panel of judges. The results were a tie, with four judges voting for each sandwich and one judge undecided because “they were both so good.”
Though the results of the panel were inconclusive, online voters will determine the real winner, which will be announced at noon today. At last report, the bratwurst was in the lead with 63% of the votes.
Nancy Eckerle, dressed in a dirndl with a “kiss me I’m German” button, thought there was a good chance the Schnitzelbank would win the competition.
“We made a big impression,” Eckerle stated, referring to the dozens of supporters dressed in lederhosen and dirndl. “I think the polka band was a hit.”
Indeed, the crowd did seem to appreciate the band and its troop of dancers as they polkaed “Roll Out the Barrel” and “the Chicken Dance.”
State Representative Mark Messmer, who played trumpet in the polka band, agreed that the music made the event more festive for the crowd. He also liked the Schnitz’s chances of winning.
“It’s hard to beat a good brat,” Messmer said.
Though they got some quizzical looks from passers-by on account of their German attire, the citizens of Dubois County held their heads high and carried on in classic Strassenfest style.
In front of the Lucas Oil Stadium, the Schnitzlebank’s catering truck churned out bratwursts and beer for their supporters while the polka band practiced. The unseasonably warm weather allowed everyone to relax and enjoy the Germanic tailgating experience.
Many supporters returned to Dubois County Wednesday night, but Schnitzelbank owner Alan Hanselman and others are staying in Indianapolis to await the results of the voting. If the bratwurst wins the competition, Hanselman expects a lot of publicity, including interviews on national television.
