By Chris Tataryn Journal/Brandon The German Pavilion was a big attraction for the Lieutenant Governor’s Winter Festival two years ago, and was missed during the years it took off. But now, after a hiatus caused by lacking facilities, the Victoria Inn has welcomed the German Pavilion back with open arms. “We are very excited to be back and participating again,” said Manfred Wicht, volunteer at the German Pavilion. “We have about 110 volunteers working with us, it was quite the struggle to get here, but we are happy and excited to be able to put on the pavilion again.” This year, the pavilion will be bringing in the Regina Edelweiss Dancers, a traditional German dancing group, as well as the Alpine Express Show Band, a brass orchestra from Brandon. “It’s going to be a big attraction,” said Wicht. “We have excellent food, lots of wine, beer and schnapps, and great entertainment.” Saturday afternoon is going to be holding a special event for the pavilion; a contest open to anyone interested. “Saturday afternoon is usually a slower time, so we always want to do something special. This year we have brought in the Junior Edelweiss Dancers, and we are putting on a Man VS Meterwurst competition.” The competition will start at 2:15, and for only a $10 entry fee anyone can have their chance to race to finish a one-meter-long bratwurst and a meter-long pretzel, racing against other competitors for the $100 grand prize. Entry forms for the contest can be picked up at Murray Chev from Manfred, at Paul’s Hauling from Wolfgang, or at Kelleher Ford from Daryl. Forms can also be picked up at the German Pavilion, but Wicht asks people try and register as early as possible. “Since we are at the Vic Inn, in Salon A and B, and the Scottish Pavilion is in the Vic Inn Ballroom, parking will definitely be a problem,” said Wicht. “So we are asking people to park across the street in the old Zellers/Sobeys parking lot and just walk across. We have a seating capacity of 450, so line-ups should be smaller than previous years.” The Winter Fest kicks off on February 2 at 6 p.m. at City Hall, with the El Salvadorian host pavilion putting on the opening ceremonies.