You sure hit the target with your suggested German food. Having lived in Germany for a few years the suggestions had my mouth watering. Good german food is not very available and tough to find most places in the US. Bratwurst and saurkraut or red cabbage does not a german meal make, I'm sorry. I have yet to try the german restaurant in Ocala and am holding out hope for them, I understand I won't be disappointed. Tried Orang Blossom this past week and it fell considerably short. Tried the german restaurant in Fruitland Park and the seervice was so bad we left before being served. Hey Gracie, how about the Black Forest in Cincy? - too bad it is no longer. Oklahoma City area has a couple of the best I have frequented. Sounds as if there is another entity falling under developer budgetery cuts? Thanks for the reminder of great German food.

Too crowded
 

Very much need to go back to both squares having the parades and holiday celebrations.
Can't understand as the numbers get larger and larger cutting back to one square.
I'm sure its cost cutting as has been stated in this thread.
Seems more and more residents just aren't going as they know about the crowds.
One again it was just wonderful in 2004-2007. Been more and more cut backs every year since. Much to do with the third generation now running this development.
Polo field is a great idea but when polo is in season, like now, can't be used.
Many many good comments in this thread.

Parade at Spanish Springs lasted about 10 minutes...tops!

Nothing to get too excited about... I don't believe the parade is limited by the developer; it's limited by the number of folks that signup to have floats, etc...

I'd say there's not enough participation to have 2 parades...maybe not even one...

Part of groups deciding to not march is its no fun anymore and the participants can't even find parking etc. Once even separate villages, put in floats and marched.
If you know the workings of this place, what is in the squares is completely dependent on the wishes of the developer.
Sorry, can't continue this conversation as I won't be on the computer again today.
However believe me the town squares and holiday celebrations are set by the developer.
Have a great PM as I always do.

I admit I am new to TV and so have no history with "the way things used to be", but I was very impressed with the parade. And by my watch it was much more than 10 minutes. For a local "small town parade I thought it was great fun. Still not sure yet how bagpipers in kilts fit in but I loved them! I look forward to other parades and celebrations in the future.

Suzanne

How To Improve Octoberfest
 

Invite more Italians:1rotfl: Better off to celebrate in your neighborhoods doing a pot luck, etc

Cheerleaders, twirlers, etc
 

I am hesitant to bring up this subject out of my respect for the likes of others, but why do we have the festival music interrupted every hour for performances of clubs such as cheerleading, twirlers, stompers, etc.? I am sure their spouses and friends enjoy it but I thought clubs were for that purpose rather than for public performances at the squares. I will now duck so I don't get hit with all of the arrows headed my way.

Sorry Bob. Dumb question.

You don't enjoy that?

I kinda do.

It adds to the flavor of this-is-a-retirement-place and we have mature cheerleaders, twirlers and stompers.

Gracie, who didn't join the cheerleaders but doesn't feel left out.

I enjoyed them too. They were having a good time and so was I. I guess this just goes to show you that when you have 85,000 living in one area you can't please all the people, all at one time. :sigh: We all have different likes and tastes and for the most part we all get along. That's what I think makes TV such a wonderful place to live.

Well said momesu......... :agree:

When I was visiting TV in October, I was fortunate enought to be there during the Italian Fest parade at LSL. Even though the weather wasn't the greatest, I really enjoyed that parade. And I enjoyed watching the twirlers, dancers and cheerleaders -- you go girls!

I like it too, it makes TV seem more people friendly......

I know Sanford is a long drive for food, but I was talking to a friend today and she said the German restaurant in Sanford has great food and a great show. we are going to try it soon.

My first Octoberfest in TV. Didn't get to see the parade. Some company came to visit & I suggested we walk downtown to SS. They thoroughly enjoyed the program, especially the music. We never made it back to Calumet G for dinner, but ate on the square. While the cheerleaders wern't dressed in German costumes...I enjoyed them.

The traditional German band is hard to find & good ones even more so. We should realize that SS is not the Munich Hofbrauhaus!!