Teutonia Mannerchor, the Northside German club known for its exclusivity, will be open to the public on May 5-7 for its first Maifest since 1854.

GermanFoods.org claims that it is “one of mankind’s oldest traditions! It is the celebration of nature’s bright reawakening after winter’s cold darkness. It is now a colorful, joyous part of history and culture in Germany! The custom of the maypole began in the tenth century, when villagers would erect a pole in the local square. They would decorate it with sausages, cakes, and multicolored ribbons! The
villagers would dance around the maypole, as medieval citizens believed that it would bring good luck and wealth!”

The club welcomes individuals who want to support German Singing and Culture to “consider membership in one of the oldest and best ethnic clubs in America.”

Admission is $10 and includes “the finest German beers,” tours of the clubhouse Sängerhalle and the Ratskeller. There is also a $15 ticket that includes a beverage and a sandwich tasting. The event will be held outside under the big tent in the Teutonia parking lot, 857 Phineas St.

Maifest will be held on Friday from 5-11 p.m., Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. A lead sponsor of the event is Huntington Bank.

For more information, visit www.pghmannerchor.com.