Pockets of dirty snow still dotted the countryside claiming it was winter even though calendars said spring had arrived.

Austreibungs Fest, the dance sponsored by the Pastorius Home Associaton to chase away winter, took place March 26 at the Goodwill Fire Company, Germansville.

The dance must have been successful because the last remnants of the snow were soon gone.

Music was by the popular Walt Groller Band and the German-style meal was provided by A&L Catering.

The welcome, given by Paul Semmel, chairman, included introductions of fellow board members Bernice Hicks, Marion Schneider, Don Eckhart, Mary Landes, Rodney Mummey and Rita Schneider.

Semmel said Hicks was the backbone of the 30-year-old organization which began when, during a group trip to Germany, the decision was made to buy and repair the Pastorius Home in Bad Windsheim, originally built by the father of Franz Daniel Pastorius in 1668.

Groller told those at the dance there would be a hot time in the old town of Germansville, as he recalled the first dance for the association took place in Kempton.

“We are trying to preserve the German culture and music,” Groller said. “We can have a lot of fun and will start with ‘We Speak the Language of Music.’”

This song was written by Groller.

“I Can’t Help Falling in Love with You,” a slow and easy dance found a lot of couples expressing their love for their partners. An old song from Queen Elizabeth’s time was the “Elizabeth’s Serenade.”

A toast celebrated the end of winter and people headed to the kitchen for dinner. Groller invited people to the stage to see CDs he was selling.

“We had St. Patrick’s Day. If you’re Irish raise your hand,” said Groller before playing “The Fields of Athenry.”

The announcement of a circle dance, “What a Happy Day,” was greeted with a loud cheer from the dancers.