The History of Brenham Maifest
Celebrating our German heritage since 1881!
With roots dating back to the Volksfest of 1874, a very colorful scene has unfolded in Brenham, Texas, each May. This festival is known as Maifest. It is a celebration highlighting our proud German heritage as well as showcasing the youth of our community. Except for several years during World War I and World War II, this event has been held annually since 1881 and has evolved into one of the most widely attended festivals in Texas. Each year, hundreds of volunteers work countless hours to produce a Junior and Senior parade and coronation along with a fun-filled festival which includes a Kinder Village, authentic German tastes and sounds, cooking contests, as well as quality musicians from around the state performing on the main stage.
Maifest takes place the first weekend in May, truly embracing the family emphasis and creating a local homecoming for those who have moved away. Maifest makes a perfect weekend for locals as well as visitors from around the globe! Our local Bed & Breakfasts can make this a complete weekend getaway package. The week kicks off with an official ribbon cutting and Maipole dance. Friday showcases the Junior Maifest courts, and Saturday focuses on the Senior Maifest courts. Saturday starts with a morning parade in historic downtown Brenham, which includes area bands, beautifully decorated floats, clowns, and all the entries that make a parade exciting.
The Maifest actually begins in January with the announcement of the Junior and Senior royalty. Once announced, the monarchs then take their traditional ride through town in the fire truck – a historical reminder that the Brenham Fire Department was the original sponsor of Maifest. The Serenade was originally held on Valentine’s Day. At that time, it involved a walk to the home of the newly appointed queen, where she and her king were serenaded by the Brenham High School Band as they were introduced to the public. Although the event no longer includes a walk to the queen’s home, the Brenham High School Band still serenades our royalty as they are introduced along with their court themes.
The opening of the Maifestival, along with the carnival, occurs at Fireman’s Park immediately following the conclusion of the downtown parade. The evening celebrations are held at the Fireman’s Park Baseball Field and include performances highlighting the local youth, depicting the themes for the year. Live music concludes the evenings in the park. The festival continues through Saturday with many of the same activities as well as corn-hole tournaments and a home-brew beer competition.
Junior Former Royalty
Senior Former Royalty
Maifest Milestones
1874
A German Volksfest was inaugurated by the Harugari Lodge in Brenham from 1874 to 1880. After the festival in 1880, the Brenham Volunteer Fire Department assumed responsibility of the annual festival, and our community has been celebrating “Maifest” ever since.
1881
In 1881, the Brenham Fire Department, led by Fire Chief W. Thompson, sponsored the festival under the new name, “Maifest.” MissFrankie Foote was crowned May Queen by Robert S. Tarver in an outdoor ceremony held at the Washington County Fairgrounds.
1884
In the early years, the coronations of monarchs were held in the morning at Fireman’s Park immediately following the elaborate parade. Maifest goers sat in the shade of a grove of trees and watched the ceremony presented on the large stage, the elaborate band shell, Opera House. During the afternoon, while adults attended the baseball game, the children’s dance was held in the pavilion, which the Fire Department had erected in 1884 at the cost of $3,725. The building, 100 feet in diameter, originally held a double-deck bandstand; the orchestra occupied the upper level. It stood in the center of the huge ballroom floor, making all dance areas equal.
1921
In 1921, after WWI, the Maifest coronations were changed from the outdoor theater or Opera House to the pavilion where a large stage was erected on the west wall. Participants entered on a runway from a building extension, which unfortunately no longer exists.
At night, the Grand Maifest Ball was given. Beautiful booklet dance programs were distributed with a tiny pencil attached, which were eagerly sought in the evening by men in attendance. With their dance program in hand, escorts made sure they had their first dance, “the Grand March,” and their last dance, “Home Sweet Home.”
1927
Beginning in 1927, with the addition of a Junior Court of Royalty, the Miafest activities were celebrated for two consecutive days. The Junior Court of Roses was reigned over by Mary Jo Becker, chosen by local school children. She was crowned by King Billy Stuckert. The Senior Court held their coronation opening night, followed by the Junior Court on the closing evening.
1931
The 1931 Senior coronation was the first to be held on a specially constructed stage on the athletic field at Fireman’s Park. Queen Mary Edna Carroll and King Charles Deware, Jr. reigned over the Court of Lights.
1934
Brenham Maifest celebrates 50 years with a Golden Jubilee.
1947
Maifest was suspended for six years during and after WWII. The inhumanity of the war with Adolf Hitler’s Germany caused backlash in the community. Also, the Fire Department’s duties had grown, and they could no longer serve as hosts for the Maifest. Full credit for restoring the beautiful tradition belongs to Leon Simank, who started work in 1947 to raise funds for a Municipal Swimming Pool. Numerous friends joined him in hosting a public party, netting almost $8,000.
1948
In 1948, Simank, once again heading the Municipal Swimming Pool Association, resurrected the Brenham Maifest, and the total funds raised for the pool reached $20,000.
1949
Coronations swapped nights. The Junior Monarchs reigned opening night of Maifest, followed by the Senior coronation on the closing evening.
1951
On February 27, 1951, the Brenham Maifest Association was formed with Reese B. Lockett serving as General Chairman. Gus Grabow was elected President, and it was declared that any profit realized by the Association would benefit youth activities in Washington County.
1957
New float design displaying royal attire from the back created by Mrs. Norma RodenbeckWinkelmann.
1965
Maifest celebrated its 75th year with a Diamond Jubilee.
1967
First Double Royalty- Junior twin boys Queen Ann Lea Schwartz (Fuelberg) and King James Victor Southern, Queen Barbara Denise Smith (Clay) and King Thomas Charles Southern.
1969
Sudie Schaer Stark served as the first female president alongside her husband, Dr. Delbert Stark. Dr. and Mrs. Stark presided over Maifest for 10 years.
1979
Under the direction of Deana Alfred, the board approved the adoption of a new logo.
1980
The Maifest Board creates a Hall of Fame to acknowledge community volunteers who have helped the Maifest tradition.
1982
For the first time, Maifest awards two $500 scholarships to deserving students in the community. The tradition has continued annually ever since.
1984
The first Senior double Maifest royals were twin sisters, Queen Jennifer Damon and Queen Julie Damon, who reigned over the Court of “Fun and Fantasy” along with Kings Mark Spinn and John Hajosky.
1986
Brenham Maifpole was erected at Firemans Park. The Maipole depicts figures found in the Maifest logo and was generously donated by the Axel Baehren family.
1990
Maifest celebrates its 100th year with a Centennial Celebration.
1993
Lela Kelly introduces production numbers to coronations to enhance entertainment.
2012
Junior and Senior parades were combined to form one large parade on the Saturday morning of Maifest weekend.
2015
Maifest commemorates its 125th year of celebrations.
2020
For the first time since WWII, the Brenham Maifest was canceled due to the COVID-19 global pandemic.
2023
Maifest returns to the tradition for the first time since 1948; The Senior Court reigns on Friday night and the Junior Court reigns on Saturday night.
2025
Maifest celebrates its 135th anniversary with Junior Queen Ellie Alfred and King Everett Gonzales & Senior Queen Emmie Behrens and King Henry Stopschinski.