City Geared For Upcoming Deutschen Pfest

NORTH AUSTIN-PFLUGERVILLE, TX -- Like Christmas, it’s never too early to plan on attending the Deutschen Pfest.

No, it’s not a sneezing contest to see who can blow their nose the fastest; Deutschen means “German,” a nod to city founders descendants with the surname “Pfluger” for whom the municipality is named.

With that out of the way for the uninitiated, city officials have begun reminding would-be Deutschen Pfest participants of the popular family event scheduled at Pfluger Park during the May 20-22 weekend.

This year’s will be the 41st version of the annual fun-and-run event. A timed 5K starts at 8 a.m., with an untimed “Kid’s K” following at 9 a.m.

Participants are urged to register early for discounted pricing and to guarantee they secure their race T-shirt. Those registering after May 9 will not be guaranteed the coveted garment, officials note.

More on the shirt: It’s an important piece of wardrobe come March, not only for bragging rights but as admission pass, of sorts, to Deutschen Pfest entry into Pfluger Park throughout the weekend.

The event is all-inclusive, with dogs and strollers also welcome. But organizers urge those bringing dogs and strollers to start at the back of the pack for safety reasons.

The earlier the registration, the greater the realized savings. Admission rates for the 5K fluctuate depending on when registration is done: Until March 25, the attendance rate is $25; until May 2, $30; through May 21, $35; and $35 on race day.

Children age 8 and younger don’t have to fork over that much cash, and can participate in their own “Special K” race with a $15 registration fee. Early registration for the kids’ version also is recommended and signups can be registered at Pflugervilletx.gov/dpfest.

Yelp reviewers have given the event positive reviews.

One mom lauded the family-friendly event after her attendance, noting the creek running through the park made for a makeshift playing area for the little tykes. As for her, she enjoyed the Schnitzel sandwich she purchased and noted the availability of good German beers available for consumption.

And, yes, she even enjoyed the background polka music.