The German Park Picnic

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Arbor.

The park's gates haven't even opened, and there's already a long line of people waiting near the entrance. We can never seem to beat the crowds. This land that German immigrants bought in the mid-1930s and initially used for family potlucks has become a wildly popular spot for party-loving people.

Once inside, it feels like we've joined a massive family reunion--but with a couple thousand friendly strangers. People bring tablecloths from home to cover picnic tables. Some tote their own beer steins. Kids munch soft pretzels and sip sodas. Under the pavilion, tots and their parents dance to a German band.

My husband and I share a plate of homemade German potato salad and spaetzle and a bratwurst--leaving plenty of room for a bucket of Hefeweizen beer. The kids eat hot dogs and hamburgers, and we play a few games of Uno.