The Coplay Saengerbund, 205 S. Fifth St., continued its tradition of holding a New Year’s Eve celebration Dec. 31, 2022.

For the last five years, there has been a festive gathering where members celebrate with a balloon drop 6 p.m., which is midnight in Austria. The event features polka music, dancing and an array of food and beverages.

New Year’s Eve is called Silvester in Austria. The Silvester Feier celebration has been a joy for the members over the years. They were sharply dressed and enjoyed the music with laughter and dancing.

For many, this is an opportunity to reconnect with friends - and meet new ones. They share the common bond of a German/Austrian heritage. Many members were either born in Germany or Austria or their parents were. This is a chance to celebrate their culture and get back to their roots. Many of the members are Pennsylvania Dutch-speaking, allowing them to communicate and brush up on their native language.

Margaret Schanta, a member of the Coplay Saengerbund committee, was born in Germany. She said the Coplay Saengerbund, and specifically this event, allows her and many members to capture the flavor of their native land.

People from all over Pennsylvania attend the Coplay Saengerbund New Year’s Eve celebration. It is not limited to folks in the Lehigh Valley.

The Emil Schanta Band, which provided the entertainment, is comprised of several members, and they play regularly. Polka music is played 3-6 p.m. every Sunday for the members to enjoy. Every Friday, during the summer months, rock music is featured outside.

Though this is a private club, the Saengerbund accepts new members by recommendation from current members. Anyone who has an affinity for German/Austrian heritage is encouraged to look into a membership, especially younger people, as the blending of different ages makes for great stories, much learning about the German/Austrian ways and a chance to learn from members of different generations.

Members can enjoy several other special events during the year. There is a Valentine’s dance, a Fasching European Mardi Gras and a monthly gathering to maintain events with significant Austrian roots and traditions. Bowling leagues exist almost every night, as there is an eight-lane bowling alley on site.

Here’s to many more New Year’s Eves to come for all. Frohes neues Jahr!