German-American Steuben Parade

Von Steuben Day is a holiday traditionally held on a weekend in mid-September (von Steuben was born September 17), celebrating the Prussian-born Baron Friedrich von Steuben, who arrived in the United States as a volunteer offering his services to General George Washington in the American Revolutionary War. It was founded in 1957 by immigrants from Germany who, being part of the largest self-reported immigrant ancestral group in the United States, wanted to keep the traditions of their German homeland alive.

Von Steuben is still regarded as one of the most important German Americans, as his training of the young American troops made victory against the British possible and thus his work helped in gaining independence for the United States of America. The day is generally considered the German-American event of the year, and many participants wear tracht costumes including dirndls and lederhosen to celebrate their heritage. Celebrations focus on parades in which participants march, dance, and play music.