This past weekend was one of my favorites of the year!  Time for the annual Brugnoli Family and Friends Krautfest Party!

Those of you who have been hanging around here awhile, might remember Krautfest 2015 or even Krautfest 2014.

The festivities kicked off this past Saturday in the beautiful Autumn weather at  Conneaut Lake, PA with our dear “Oh Rob” welcoming guests and instructing newcomers on the sauerkraut-making process.

It starts with cutting….  800 lbs of cabbage cutting!

The cut cabbage goes to the shredders, where experienced cutters teach newbies on equipment passed down through generations from grandparents…

and taught to new generations – where Moms teach sons…

and sisters show brothers….

and families do together.

It then gets measured,

and salted,

and pounded…

while friends and family chat,

and laugh,

and hug.

Old friends meet up after decades.

and new relationships bloom.

There is plenty of fun for kids of all ages!

From Jumbo Jenga…

to pick up sticks…

to lawn bowling,

and searching for bones and candy and money in hay.

There was pumpkin painting…

and t-shirt painting.

There was apple picking…

and apple pressing.

The kids loved learning how to turn apples into fresh apple juice!

and so did some of the parents and grandparents!

There was lots of food.

I made Grandma’s halupki – another Krautfest tradition served up next to hot dogs and kraut and homemade pierogies and cheesy polenta and fresh smoked ham and lots of other yummies.

There was an entire dining room table filled with desserts.

and of course plenty of wine.

There was tire swinging,

and bonfire-building.

There was Marty (hubby – on the left) and Martin.

There were quiet moments from afar,

and lots of singing and music after the sun went down and drew us indoors.

Even dogs of all sizes made friends!

Can you imagine a better time?

Thank you Joyce and Oh Rob!  We love you!   We ALL do!

Cheers & Hugs,
Jodi