Flügel Fest took center stage at Meadowood this September for what is now a three-day community favorite event featuring competitions, raffles, crafts, food, and fun that bring together residents and staff.

Spirits soared at Flügel Fest, a wildly popular Oktoberfest-themed event for residents and team members held annually at Meadowood in September.

But what’s a flügel, you may ask? You’re not alone. Many people at Meadowood asked that same question.

Flügel actually means “wing” in German, which is quite appropriate, considering that Meadowood’s symbol is the goose, and the community also awards “wings” to team members for exceptional customer service. Plus, in the words of the flyer advertising this one-of-a-kind event, “flügel is fun to say!”

How did the “flügel” name come to be? The unusual moniker was created during a naming contest for the event. Meadowood is known for geese and “flügel” means “wing” in German; it was a natural fit with a fun alliteration of “Flügel Fest.” Not only was Meadowood celebrating Oktoberfest – now Flügel Fest – in September, but so does Germany!

For Meadowood, that early date turned out not only to align with the German event, but with the beautiful weather. Led by the Flügel Fest committee, team members and residents worked together to get everything ready.

In 2021, Flügel Fest was officially born as it replaced the traditional one-day Meadowood Fall Festival, which was usually held the first week in October and open to the public. Flügel Fest offered many of the festival’s usual amenities to staff and employees, but since it was multiple days, it boasted even more activities and excitement.

Flügel Fest 2021 — Meadowood staff at Flügel Fest in 2021.

Flügel Fest continues to evolve each year and has become a community-wide favorite. Over the years, experiences have included a beer garden, a German-style dinner, outdoor concert at The Grove, friendly competitions and so much more.

In 2025, Flügel Fest kicked off with a delicious German-style dinner complete with themed beers, meats, cheeses and soft pretzels, followed by an outdoor concert at The Grove.

The following two days of activities included competitive matches of all kinds held all over campus, including bocce, golf, and shuffleboard. The big match to watch was shuffleboard: Paul Nordeman, CEO, and Bruce McKenney, Chair of the Board of Directors, versus residents Drake Williams and Jim Kotz.

Baked goods, jewelry, flowers and carved crafts from the woodworking shop were on sale, and there was a constant flow of traffic in the Schultz Community Center. Themed gift baskets donated by team members and residents were raffled off. All the proceeds went to the Benevolence Fund. The wellness and life enrichment teams also brought Flügel Fest to the Health Center, where they organized fun activities, including their own version of Cash Cab with sweet prizes. Downtown Scoop ice cream truck was a hit!

There were games, delicious eats and drinks. But the best part of Flügel Fest? That our Meadowood family comes together as a community.