*Fastnacht day is the Pennsylvania Dutch or German tradition associated with Fat Tuesday. It occurs on Fat Tuesday or Shrove Tuesday. (Fast night)

Because many choose to fast or deny themselves sweets and treats during Lent, it was common to indulge on Fat Tuesday. Fat/Shrove Tuesday is the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday, which is the beginning of Lent. To prepare for Lent, many religions emptied their pantries of indulgences like lard and sugar. In using up the supplies, the Fastnacht was born.

Among Wytheville’s earliest settlers were German immigrants who contributed much in terms of culture and art to the storied history and heritage that is Wytheville. 

Typically, homemade masks of all kinds are worn for Fasnacht events. Masks are highly encouraged but not required for our event in Wytheville. There will be a contest for "best mask" with a prize! 

Expect food trucks and sweet treats, as well as adult beverages on site. 

Paperhand Puppet will be joining us live to perform a large-scale puppet show. They will also do some roving in the crowd of participants and be a part of the closing Parade of Light! We'll also have traditional barn dancing with a caller, a mask contest, candlelight parade, and burning of old man winter to wrap up festivities. 

The event will take place, 3- 7 pm on Saturday, March 6, 2027, at Elizabeth Brown Memorial Park, 250 S 4th St, Wytheville, VA 24382."