The Germantown-Schnitzelburg neighborhoods will be celebrating their German heritage next week for the 40th year with the Dainty Contest.  The 40th Annual World’s Championship Dainty Contest, traditionally held in the street in front of Hauck’s Handy Store, almost looks like a school field day, except participants must be at least 45-years-old.

In 1971, George Hauck and Charlie Vettiner revived the dainty game, which originated in Germany in the 1800’s.  In the modern rendition of the game, players use a three-feet-long mop handle to hit a three-inch-long broom stick, which lays on the ground, in order to pop it up into the air and then hit it as far down the street as possible.  
The record, an impressive 146 feet and 5 inches, has been unbeaten since the 1980’s.  However, on Sunday, July 25, the night before the actual contest, Congressman John Yarmuth and Danny McMahon of Danny Mac’s Pizza will attempt to break the record for this 40th anniversary.  Yarmuth won the contest in 2006. 

The Dainty Contest will also have several noted guests.  Mayor Jerry Abramson, Councilman Jim King, Representative Jim Wayne, retired Congressman Ron Mazzoli, and Senators Denise Harper Angel and Tim Shaughnessy are all slated to attend the contest.  
Dainty Contest shirts are being sold at Hauck’s Handy Store for $10.99 and those who wear them to the contest have a chance to win a $50 savings bond.  The kick-off event, which starts at noon on Sunday, and the Dainty Contest on Monday at 5pm will both take place in front of Hauck’s at 1000 Goss Avenue.  Players can register in person at the event.

Photo: Joe Schneid, Louisville, KY