As I have discussed it numerous times via this gushy blog, I am a full-blown Dutchie. My parents, who both come from PA-Dutch families, raised me in the heartland of Berks County, Pennsylvania, and I have always appreciated the classics of my native culture.
Praising the time-honored traditions of the PA Dutch seems like an appropriate task at heart, which is why I regularly make an appearance at the annual 19th-century-celebrating Kutztown Folk Festival.
Also important to note, central to the festival is a gruesome history lesson, which is now legend in local Dutch culture. Each year, a group re-enacts the controversial execution of Susanna Cox, who was hanged in 1809 for killing her infant child. Festival director Dave Fooks believes in the importance of addressing the historic event. "It turns out that due to her hanging, the American appeals system began," he says.
Of course, the menu is equally country: High-calorie eats include wurst rolls, ox roast sandwiches, apple dumplings, fried veggies and shoofly pie—all which may be washed down with birch beer aplenty.
There's one day left of the fest, so saddle your horse and buggy, and blast into the rural country scene.
