Germanfest began in 1981 as a project to bring another festival to Fort Wayne. Since then, Germanfest has continued to grow, and has now become a highlight of the summer festivals in Fort Wayne. Most people have been to Germanfest and sampled the "Essen, Trinken und Gemütlichkeit" (Eating, Drinking, and a warm, wonderful time). The Germanfest Committee of Fort Wayne is formed from the four German organizations that exist in Fort Wayne; the Fort Wayne Turners, the Fort Wayne Maennerchor/Damenchor, the Fort Wayne Sport Club, and the German Heritage Society. Each of these organizations has a rich tradition in Fort Wayne.