GAMGA (German American Mardi Gras Association) is a California nonprofit corporation based in the County of San Diego. Its purpose is to perpetuate German ethnic tradition, culture and heritage ideals for self educational growth and promote these ideals through events held throughout the Karnevals/Fastnacht/Fasching season which starts November 11th and ends Ash Wednesday each year. For this purpose events of traditional pageantry are staged and presented to the general membership and public. Fellowship among the member clubs and individuals is highly encouraged. The major event is their GAMGA National Convention held in Las Vegas in January of each year.   

Members of Spielmannszug Minnestota normally attend the GAMGA National Convention. Spielmannszug Minnesota is a member of the club and has a representative who attends the management meetings. In addition, several members of Spielmannszug Minnesota, along with the Prinzenpaar and Hof attend the GAMGA National Convention.The GAMGA National Convention is a two evening event with Friday night being a costume ball, with music for dancing and entertainment, and skits put on by member clubs. Saturday night is a formal event with more music for dancing and more skits for entertainment. The royalty from all of the clubs are introduced and honored by hosting them on the stage for part of the evening. The evening starts out with the crowning of a GAMGA Prinzenpaar, chosen from one of the member clubs. The Saturday event features a high degree of pageantry and entertainment similar to a Sitzung at Karneval in Germany.

2008 was a good year for Spielmannszug Minnesota at the GAMGA National Convention. Our Prinzenpaar (Prinz John and Prinzessin Carolinchen) and Hof and several other members attended. Also, club members Al and Joyce Drenckhahn were crowned as the GAMGA Prinzenpaar (Prinz Al and Prinzessin Joyce).

PRINZENPAAR of GAMGA   PRINZ AL AND PRINZESSIN JOYCE (Members of SPIELMANNSZUG MINNESOTA)

PRINZENPAAR of SPIELMANNSZUG MINNESOTA   PRINZ JOHN AND PRINZESSIN CAROLINCHEN

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