Dainty Contest Returns to Germantown July 25

The World Championship Dainty Contest is returning to Louisville’s Germantown neighborhood (and/or Schnitzelburg).

The annual street competition, now celebrating its 52nd year, will take place on Monday, July 25, at 5 PM at George Hauck Way (1000 Goss Avenue). For the second year in a row, the Dainty Contest has expanded to a weekend filled with activities on Saturday and Sunday that celebrate Dainty. Donations will benefit the Schnitzelburg Area Community Council (SACC) and Little Sisters of The Poor.

Dainty, a game originating from German immigrants in the late 1800s, is a street game (revived in 1971 by well-known Germantown residents George Hauck and Charlie Vettiner that is played on the street outside of the original Hauck Handy Store location, recently re-opened as Hauck’s Corner Bar.

“I’m thrilled to welcome everyone to Schnitzelburg for the 2nd Annual 3-day Dainty Festival and 52nd Annual World Championship Dainty Contest,” said Jennifer Chappell, President of SACC. “We’re honoring the cherished contest that George Hauck created 52 years ago and, this year, we’re excited to once again have the doors of Hauck’s Corner open on that last Monday in July.”

On Saturday, July 23rd, Dainty festivities will begin with a Dainty fundraiser at The Merryweather (1101 Lydia Street) featuring bands, drink specials, a cake wheel, raffles, and more. On Sunday, July 24th, visitors can enjoy a full day of fun during “Open Hauck’s” that includes a dunk tank, bologna sandwich eating contest, live music, the Dainty Museum Ribbon Cutting, and more.

In addition to the competition, The 52nd World Championship Dainty Contest will include food trucks, a beer garden, a dunk tank, and, for the first time ever, a Dainty Batting Cage provided by The Greater Germantown Business Association.

"To build on the tradition of Schnitzelburg family fun, we are very excited to introduce the Dainty Batting Cage this year,” said John Ronayne, owner of Brewgrass Homebrew Supply. “All members of the community not competing can try their hand at whacking the dainty - all the money raised will be donated to the Little Sisters of The Poor, SACC, and Greater Germantown Business Association organizations."

Honored dignitaries that will participate in Dainty this year include Rep. Morgan McGarvey, Rep. Kevin Triplett, Rep. Pat Mulvihill, and Rep. Lisa Willner.

For a full schedule of events and to learn the history of the World Championship Dainty Contest in Germantown, visit www.schnitzelburg.org/dainty or check out the organizers’ Facebook page at www.facebook.com/schnitzelburgareacommunitycouncil.