Coplay Saengerbund, 205 S. Fifth St., held its annual Stiftungsfest June 22 to celebrate its 108th anniversary. The Saengerbund has displayed generosity to the Coplay community, helping fund projects over the years.

Todd Santoroski, Saengerbund president, was delighted at the energy during the Stiftungsfest and expressed gratitude for the teamwork to make this year’s anniversary a success.

Saengerbund recording secretary Shelly Wydock, of Coplay, and her friend Fran Schlofer, of Catasauqua, cheerfully signed in attendees to the outdoor celebration.

The entertainment included the Emil Schanta Band, which provided rich, ethnic Austrian and German music. The Emil Schanta Band began playing and revelers streamed to the dance floor.

The program began 2:30 p.m. with the Coplay Saengerbund Choir singing the Burgenland national anthem and then sang the U.S. national anthem. Next up on the program was the Reading Liederkranz Chorus. The Franklinville-Schwarzwald Mannerchor then performed to close the indoor mini-concerts.

The music was excellent, and attendees who filled the Saengerbund indoor social hall enjoyed the mini-concerts.

Kevin Fritz, former Saengerbund president, said he was pleased with the music and the well-organized event. He has served as president for 10 years, an officer for more than 45 years and is currently a trustee on the board of directors.

In German, “Stiftungsfest” is an anniversary celebration, a festive event that commemorates an organization’s founding. The celebration involves entertainment, music, food, remembering the past and the organization’s beginnings. The event is designed to promote a sense of community and to honor the organization and its accomplishments.

In 1917, a small group of Austrian immigrants came together in Coplay to establish a private social club. The primary purpose of the club was to have a place for Austrian immigrants to socialize, talk about their new experiences in Coplay and promote their heritage, culture and music.

These Austrian immigrants were also involved in the development of St. Peter Roman Catholic Church, 4 S. Fifth St. The church was founded June 16, 1917, when the Rev. Joseph J. Ostheimer was named its first pastor to about 110 families.

In 2025, the Saengerbund continues to provide traditional Austrian and German music on Sundays. Rock bands entertain every Friday in the Saengerbund’s grove during the summer. This year, the club introduced outside dinners in the grove while an acoustic musician entertains.

The club is available for special events, weddings, graduations, business meetings and other celebrations. Call 610-262-9937 to reserve a space for a special gathering.

Visit coplaysaengerbund.com for more information about the organization and its activities.