This post is a submission from Boerne resident, Jackie Aguillon.  

You could feel it the moment you stepped out into the bright Texas sun. Something more meaningful than a festival was happening in Boerne. From small business owners and local vendors to volunteer bartenders, police officers, and board members, these are the faces behind Das Festival and its success.

Their stories reveal a community that shows up not just to enjoy, but to give back to each other. It is clear that Das Festival wasn’t just a celebration of German heritage, but a celebration of people.  

So, who makes Das Festival possible?  

The People Behind Das Festival

1. The Vendors and Small Business Owners  

Among the many colorful booths that lined the festival grounds, local craftsmanship took center stage.  

Madison, a Boerne-based artist and entrepreneur, offered an array of embroidered pieces, crochet projects, custom banners, and even personalized sunglasses. Her small business, Graceful Sky, radiated creativity and charm, a reflection of the care she puts into every item.

For Madison, Das Festival was more than a chance to sell; it was a way to connect with the community that supports her craft. However, don’t be fooled by Madison’s adorable crocheted pieces, because she’s also a fierce competitor who won second place in last year’s Das Festival’s watermelon-eating contest.  

When asked to sum it up, Madison calls Das Festival “the go-to spot for Father’s Day weekend.”  

A few booths down, Dave and Stephanie McCulley were serving up something with a bit more heat. Torcatha BBQ Sauce is an award-winning, firefighter-owned sauce that is made from a 40-year-old cherished family recipe.

What started as a backyard staple Dave whipped up to feed his firefighter family has grown into something far bigger than he ever imagined. Today, their homemade BBQ sauce is sold at Pullman Market in San Antonio, stocked in grocery stores across France, and reaching shelves in several other European countries.

The way McCulley talks about it makes one thing clear: this sauce isn’t just a product, it’s a piece of family history, bottled and shared with the world.  

As a vendor, Dave mentions that Das Festival means so much to him because “this is where you build the relationships with people right off the bat and keep them going throughout the years.” 

2. The “Fuel” for the Fun  

No festival is complete without refreshments. And at Das Festival, the drinks were served with a side of dedication.

More than 15 bartenders volunteered their time and energy throughout the weekend, all of whom went out of their way to earn TABC certification just to support the event.

These aren’t hired staff, but community members who showed up, rolled up their sleeves, and helped keep the good times flowing.  

Another never-empty booth that had some Das Festival fun fuel was owned by Behdad Berenji, owner of El Rio Mexican Restaurant, where they were serving up their delicious and crowd-favorite margaritas. Behdad and his family are proud Boerne locals, known for showing up and giving back at nearly every community event.

When asked what Das Festival means to them, Behdad didn’t hesitate. He answered with one word: “Tradition.”  

3. Safety and Security  

While the music played and crowds gathered, a different kind of coordination was unfolding quietly behind the scenes. Officer Chris Dingman of the Boerne Police Department served not only as a community police officer but also as the safety and security liaison for Das Festival. His presence and the planning behind it were a vital part of making sure the festival ran smoothly and safely. Preparation for the event began more than seven months in advance.

Officer Dingman and his team worked closely with organizers to coordinate road closures, plan crowd control measures, and ensure proper staffing throughout the weekend. Their goal was simple but essential: to keep the community safe while allowing everyone to enjoy themselves without worry.

Thank you to Boerne PD and all first responders who helped make Das Festival safe, smooth, and enjoyable for everyone. 

Officer Dingman emphasized safety tips for festivalgoers. “If you plan to come out here and drink, make sure you have a sober ride…. We’re here for everybody, and we want everyone to have a good time.”  

4. The Board- Visionaries & Builders  

Behind the food, music, and laughter, Das Festival is powered by a team of dedicated community members who volunteer their time. Not for recognition, but for something greater.

For the past three years, the board has met every month, committing time and energy to plan every detail of the event. What began as a group of approximately 12 original members has now grown into a 22-member Board of Executives that works year-round to organize, expand, and elevate what has quickly become one of Boerne’s most beloved events. 

Board president, David Parent, founded the organization after the closing of past German heritage festivals, a local tradition that left a void in the community. When asked why he took on the responsibility, his answer was simple: “Because we [the community] needed this.”

Without Dave and the rest of the Board, none of this would be possible. Das Festival exists because of the passion, leadership, and tireless effort of the entire Board of Executives.  

Also among the board is Patti Mainz, Director of Sponsorship and owner of Boerne’s Black Rifle Coffee. Describing herself as “old Boerne,” Patti spoke about the deep-rooted sense of tradition that comes with serving on the board.

She noted how many board members are continuing a legacy started by their parents, who once served on the boards of past German festivals. She also proudly states that her family is there volunteering alongside her. That generational connection speaks volumes about the pride and responsibility that runs deep in Boerne’s culture.  

Patti mentions that the festival is so important because of the growth in Boerne. “That was our thing was to get the community back together because the city has grown so much. When it grows, you start to lose touch with people…. These events kind of make the town feel small again.” 

Echoing those sentiments was Second Vice President Veronica Brown. Veronica is a lifelong Boerne resident, owner of the popular Boerne bar, Salvador Dobbs, and a mother of three.

Juggling business ownership and board responsibilities, she spoke passionately about the importance of giving back and preserving Boerne’s German heritage. Her words and her energy reflect the spirit of the entire board: committed, community-minded, and tireless in their efforts.  

When asked what Das Festival means to the community, Second Vice President Veronica Brown said, “We’re doing this to bring back the German heritage, to bring back the festivities that have been here in our community for so many years, and to give back to the community.”

She emphasized that while the celebration is full of fun and tradition, the most meaningful part of the event is the support it provides to local charities. 

5. The Charity Impact- Why It All Matters 

At its core, Das Festival is more than a celebration; it’s a mission. As a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, the event exists not just to bring the community together for a weekend of fun, but to give back in a meaningful way.

Every dollar spent contributes to causes that directly support the Boerne and Kendall County community. This year, the festival’s proceeds will support four impactful local organizations:   

Boerne Blaze Special Olympics– Boerne Blaze is a local organization that empowers individuals with intellectual disabilities through sports, inclusion, and community support. The program gives athletes opportunities to compete, grow, and shine on and off the field. 

Comfort Table & Food Pantry– Serving Comfort and the surrounding areas, this food pantry provides essential resources to families and individuals facing food insecurity. Their mission ensures that no neighbor goes hungry. 

VFW Post 688 (Veterans of Foreign Wars)– Private Bruno Phillip Post 688 supports local veterans and their families through advocacy, assistance, and community engagement. Their presence in Boerne honors the service and sacrifice of those who have worn the uniform. 

Heartland Children’s Home– Heartland provides around-the-clock care and a loving environment for terminally ill children who cannot live at home. Their work is as emotional as it is essential, offering comfort, stability, and dignity to those who need it most.  

These four charities are the heart of Das Festival. They represent the values this event was built on: community, compassion, and a commitment to giving back. It’s not just a weekend of fun, it’s fun with a purpose.   

6. The Volunteer Army 

While the spotlight often shines on the booths and bands, none of it would be possible without the nearly 200 volunteers who worked tirelessly behind the scenes. From setting up tents and managing logistics to cleaning up after the crowds cleared out, these individuals donated their time, muscle, and heart entirely for free.

Their work may not have made headlines, but it laid the foundation for everything Das Festival stood for: community, generosity, and shared celebration.  

7. The Community- YOU Make It Happen 

For all the planning, preparation, and passion behind Das Festival, the final ingredient that brings it all to life is the crowd. Families, friends, and neighbors filled the festival grounds with laughter, conversation, and a kind of joy that can’t be manufactured.

One of the most striking things wasn’t only the smiles or laughter, but how present everyone seemed. In an era where heads are usually down and screens are always lit, Das Festival offered something refreshingly rare: a moment of togetherness, free of distractions. Phones stayed in pockets. Conversations were face-to-face. People didn’t just attend, they connected.

Das Festival truly felt like a blast from the past, not only in heritage, but in spirit. A reminder of what it’s like when a community shows up for each other, not just for a weekend of fun, but for something that feels like home.  

As someone lucky enough to experience it firsthand, with my husband by my side and a camera full of memories, it was easy to see why this event means so much to Boerne. This festival belongs to the community. And the community showed up.