Mt. Penn Fire

For the past 39 years, the Mt. Penn Fire Company has been satisfying the need of the citizens of Berks County and beyond for their addiction to Fastnachts.

This year was no exception as we celebrated our 40th Annual Fastnacht Sale on Feb 2 & 3, 2008

We sold a total of 2500 Dozen Fastnachts, that's 30,000 individual Fastnachts if you do the math!

Our fundraiser, was again, a huge success, and we thank all those who supported us.

Sam Acevedo

WHAT IS A FASTNACHT?

Everything you ever wanted to know about Fastnachts but were afraid to ask.

Fastnacht 101

Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, February 6, 2008. In Pennsylvania Dutch country, February 5, Shrove Tuesday, the day before the start of Lent, is known as "Fastnacht Day." The Pennsylvania Dutch celebrate Shrove Tuesday by eating yeast raised potato doughnuts, which are lovingly known as "Fastnachts."

The name "Fastnacht" is German for "Fast Night." Fastnacht Day is a day to forget about dieting and a slim waistline and feast on doughnuts! It's a custom that had its beginnings with the Plain People. Making Fastnachts helped to use up the fat and sugar they had on hand before the Lenten fast began.

Although doughnuts with holes are frequently sold as "Fastnachts" in supermarkets this time of year, those who know their doughnuts will tell you that a real Fastnacht should never have a hole in the center. All the syrup leaks out of a Fastnacht with a hole in it!

To eat a Fastnacht the proper Pennsylvania Dutch way, slice it crosswise, as you would slice a bagel. Spread with table syrup such as "Mrs. Schlorer's Turkey Syrup®" or "Golden Barrel Table Syrup®". Replace the top and ENJOY!