Copperas Cove church dishes out German Sausage Fest Posted On: Saturday, Nov. 7 2009 05:40 AM By Alicia Lacy
Killeen Daily Herald

COPPERAS COVE – The smoky, spicy aroma of sausage sizzling on a giant-sized grill will waft into the nostrils of anyone passing by the Trinity Lutheran Church in Copperas Cove today.

For 36 years and counting, members of the church have held their annual German Sausage Fest to give area residents a taste of Germany.

A tradition that began in the late 1950s as a Sunday barbecue has transformed, like the secret sausage recipe, over the years into the modern festival that attracts hundreds each year.

The secret sausage recipe was originally brought from Germany in 1854, said Rebecca Messner, a member of the church.

Over the years, the recipe has evolved into what is served year after year at the annual event. Messner said the sausage is homemade from pork, including the casing, without any additives or fillers.

Because the event has outgrown the church's educational building, visitors will be served under a large tent on church grounds. Attendees can enjoy their meals with friends and family under the big tent while listening to the "old country" sounds of Henry Jost and friends, or take a plate to go.

Mike Kriegel, president of the festival, said about 1,000 pounds of sausage will be grilled for the plate dinners and 2,500 pounds of raw sausage sold in bulk.

"Past fests have drawn more than 2,500 people to this Copperas Cove event," Messner said. "Organizers expect to dish out about 2,500 pounds of pork sausage, 950 pounds of potatoes for salad and home fries and 400 pounds of sauerkraut."

All of the sides – potato salad, sauerkraut, home fries, green beans and desserts – are prepared by church members.

Proceeds from the event benefit missions, the United Way, the Geography Club at Copperas Cove High School, the church's building fund, and the men's and ladies' clubs at the church.

Kriegel said meals will be prepared for police officers and firefighters.

Contact Alicia Lacy at alacy@kdhnews.com or (254) 501-7476.