The Wild West

Heidelberg has a German American Institute that hosts speakers and events, has an English language library, etc. Since Fasching (Mardi Gras) is almost upon us, the Institute sponsored a themed costume party for kids yesterday. At first I wasn't sure we should go, because it would all be in English, but then we decided to go for it. I picked up Alex from school a little early and we headed into the city. The theme of the costume party was "The Wild West" and I was a little trepidatious about what weird things would greet us, but it turned out to be fun. Alex was dressed as a cowboy in jeans and a checkered shirt. A friend loaned him a fringed vest and I drew a mustache on his face. He did look awfully cute. When we got there, the event started with story time and two women read several picture books about cowboys and the US Southwest to the kids.

After story time, we all headed into a big room that was set up with a stage (where a guy with a guitar dressed as a cowboy led a sing-along of "Home on the Range") and lots of stations with games for the kids. Here's Alex with his new friend Irene listening to the singer.

And then he was off to the games. He started by riding his "horse" around a few barrels pretending to be at a rodeo.

The next station turned out to be his favorite. They had set up a few candlesticks with live candles and gave the kids squirt guns to try to extinguish the flame. He loved this game and came back to it all afternoon. Here are some action shots:

At the next station, they panned for "gold."

Then, he tried his luck at throwing horseshoes.

Here he is roping a steer (chair).

Then painting and branding his cattle.

Finally, we got the obligatory shot of him behind the sheriff cutout,

behind the jail,

 and in front of the jail.

It was a fun afternoon, though to say that they were playing with some of the worst stereotypes, is putting it mildly. Nevertheless, we had fun and even met some nice people. Tomorrow, the German Fasching starts and Alex will once again be ..... Batman.