Prinz Josef

"Unity in the German Community"

This was one of the greatest Gala events – our elegant and formal crowning “Prinzen Krönung” of our new Prinzenpaar!

Over 750 guests filled the elegant ballroom of the Rosemont (Donald E. Stephens) Convention Center!
Traditions dictated the farewell of last years Prinzenpaar, Prinz Bobby and Prinzess Sylvia.

With ceremonial pomp I.T. Prinz Joseph and I.L. Prinzess  Debbiewere sworn in to uphold our Karneval traditions for 2010.

Cornell Erdbeer, our Ceremonien Meister, the Fanfaren, the Amazonen, the newly clothed Prinzengarde and Elferrad provided old world traditions dating back to Chicago Karneval 1890.

Karneval Traditions in Chicago
Prinzenkrönung, by Hans Wolf, P.R. and Webmeister,K.G. Rheinischer Verein,,Mardi Gras Society

When we arrived at the Rosemont Convention Center Ballroom, there was already an exiting buzz in the air. We, meaning myself, my wife Kathy, our friends Bill and Darlene Fuchs and Ron and Erica Zielinski and Margita, also joined us at our table.

Over 700 festival goers attended the '09 Prinzenkrönung. It was a gala event with all the pomp and elegance of a 'real' royal crowning. Well, it was a real royal crowning, but its Karneval Zeit and the Narren will be in charge until Rosenmontag.

The Ballroom was decked out with balloons, and in the back a German buffet. The suckling pig was prominently displayed. Forget the food! We secured several bottles of champagne to add to the festivities, the occasional Obstlers (tastes like gasoline) added to the stimmung.

My favorite band, the Phenix with Jonny Gruber at the controls, provided some real Karneval stimmung.I can still hear the song,Einmal~ am Rhein~~~~, Quite frankly I could have schunkelt some more but then tradition is more important and timing (ruck-zuck) of the evening schedule had to be upheld.

And here it happened, Prince Bobby and Princess Sylvia (motto:" Hey listen ,forget about it", the best is yet to come) said their goodbyes and had to leave the stage without their royal garb. Bobby, as he was now called, had provided lots of youthful exuberance that will be remembered.

Prince elect Joseph was ushered to the stage to be crowned and to declare his new Princess. She arrived in a shipping box delivered to the stage by Bradke's movers (Joe's company)!

The new Prinzenpaar was then introduced by Cornell Erdbeer, the Master of Ceremonies, to the waiting crowd.

S.T. Prinze Joseph and I.L. Prinzessin Debbie were elected for 2010 to reign over the upcoming Narrezeit. I was scurrying around taking pictures for our website which is never easy because nobody wants to stand still! As the Prinzenpaar and Royal Hofstaat departed the stage they had to pass through a spalier flanked by the Elferrat and PrinzenGarde. It was a beautiful sight. The Prinzengarde displayed their new swords, they are real and very imposing.

Then came the the" Orden Hustle", everybody crowding the Prinz begging and imposing for their yearly Orden, "trophy". Ironically, the Hofmarshalls are Erich Himmel and Joe Matuschka,,both former Ehrenpräsidenten and leaders in the Chicago german community. Prinz Joseph's motto is "Why can't we get along?"… ooops, it's really "Unity in the German community.".

During the evening protocol the Amazonen dancers gave us some spirited performances, they are getting better all the time. The Fanfaren Drum and Bugle corps is always impressive and it brings out my Prussian heritage. They are a very important part of our tradition and the Fanfaren frame our Karneval event most impressively.

But then our retooled PrinzenGarde looked extremely spiffy. Their new uniforms hats and feathers (from Germany) looked great on the young ladies. the Elferrat as always, added that special mystic with their presence. It was a great evening and an exciting crowning giving us something to look forward to, during our upcoming Karneval season!

I have only been with the Rheinischer Verein for 8 years and I can only be proud to add to our history which started 1890 in Chicago. Our ever evolving website - www.mardigraschicago.com is a picture testimonial of our history and future. Please join us at our next event… especially our premier event, the Preis Maskenball (Masquerade ball) February 13.

~~ Und gib mir ein donnerndes Alaaf u.Helau! ~~

See you there!

Hans Wolf
hwolf@wolfautomation.com

P.S. In memory of our beloved Erika Brockerhoff, 12/20/09