Kinderspiele (childrens games) Several activities for the kids will be going on throughout the festival.    The tradition of Wuensching (Wishing) on New Years Day is one of the most beautiful of all of the traditions among our Volga German people. It was a day of enjoyment for all. In preparation for this great day, the children went to bed early on the eve of New Years, because the next morning even before sun-up the children began making their rounds. You had to wuensch (wish) in German. English did not count. After reciting the German wish, whereby people were wished a Happy New Year, long life, good health, peace and harmony and eternal happiness after death. The response would be Ses Wuenschich dir aach.  (I wish you the same)   Ich wuensch euch ion Glueckseliges neues Jahr, langes Leben, Gesundthelt Friede und Eingkeit, noch Eurem Tot, die ewige, Gluckseligkeit!   I wish you a prosperous New Year, long life, health, happiness and contentment. And after your death, eternity.    Children ages 5 to 15 can earn a prize by learning this traditional New Years Day wish by coming to the Schenk building from 1-3 pm on Saturday to Weunsch (in German).      Stimmhafter Wettkampf (Media competition)   What is a Stimmhafter Wettkampf? It is a German style media competition.  “Survivor” Oktoberfest style with fun games, prizes, and the coveted Stimmhafter Wettkampf trophy.  Local and regional media teams joined in the festivities at the annual Midwest Deutsche Oktoberfest to participate in various activities and races to earn “Bragging Rights” as the Stimmhafter Wettkampf Champion.  This event was held on Saturday September 17th on the festival grounds just south of the Gold building at the Ellis County Fairgrounds.                2004 Stimmhafter Wettkampf Champions Hays Daily News Team Die Zeitungsleute Patrick Lowry and Mary Karst