Reno’s EuroFest has something for everyone

Saturday, I headed to EuroFest at the Sands Regency Casino & Hotel in downtown Reno.

The event was free, the food (I had an egg, cheese and ham crepe, $6) and the drink (a masskrug filled with a nice European beer, $27), was not. But it went to a good cause, as proceeds benefit the Shriner’s Hospitals.

Early in the evening, I met a really nice couple. They take their dancing seriously. Louis Ettlin, 86, of Lockeford, Calif., and Mary Reichmuth, 79, of Freemont, Calif., have been dancing together for about a year in a half. Louis has been dancing at events such as EuroFest for about 12 years.

Mary and Louis pose for a photo on June 6, 2009.

Mary and Louis pose for a photograph

Louis, a retired truck driver, said he’ll travel more than 8,000 miles during September and October to attend Oktoberfest events all over the country.

Louis began dancing with Mary after a previous ”lady friend” died. Louis had his former partner’s old-European style dresses and he just needed someone to fill them out.

“I make sure I get the girl with the right size,” he said.

Louis and Mary plan to keep dancing for a long time. He’s already hired the band for his 90th birthday party — the Al Gruber Band.

 

When the sun set, a younger crowd came out to hear the headlining band. The Young Dubliners play a energizing celtic rock and roll that had the audience jumping.

It was a great evening in Reno. 

–Michael Baker, Local Editor

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Comments

Great post. I enjoyed reading it and viewing the pictures. Thanks

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