55th annual Dainty Festival kicks off in Louisville's Schnitzelburg neighborhood

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- The 55th Annual Dainty Festival kicks off Friday, leading up to the annual World Championship Dainty Contest next week.

The Dainty Contest is held on the last Monday of July each year on George Hauck Way, near Goss Avenue. This year, the German game that dates back centuries will return to the streets of Louisville's Schnitzelburg neighborhood Monday, July 28, at 5 p.m.

Contestants, who must be 45 years or older, use a broomstick to try to hit a five-inch peg called a dainty as far as possible.

The competition begins at 5 p.m. and will feature a food court, beer garden, and family area.

The Dainty Contest started in 1971 when George Hauck, Charlie Vettiner and others gathered at the corner of Goss and Hoertz Avenue to play the German street game.

But first, a weekend of festivities leads up to the big day. Sunday, the Dainty FUNdraiser Carnival at The Merryweather. There will be old school carnival games, the Dainty batting cage, food, drinks, pickle ice cream, live wrestling and more.

The event starts at 5 p.m. and ends "late."

Sunday is Schnitzelburg Sunday Funday, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at George Hauck Way. The Sunday Funday serves as the opening ceremony for the 2025 Dainty Contest, starting with brunch at The Merryweather from 11 a.m. to noon. From there, the Dainty Parade takes off from the bar with a live performance from the Hot Sauce Brass Band, marching through Schnitzelburg to the corner of George Hauck Way—the home of the Dainty.

Sunday also includes the famous Bologna Sandwich Eating Contest, Pickle Juice Chugging Contest, The Dainty Magic Show and Petting Zoo and booths from area neighborhood associations and businesses.

To learn more and look at a full lineup for the weekend, and Monday, click here.

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