Residents of Berks County, Lancaster County, and Lebanon County, among other Pennsylvania sub-regions, come out in droves each spring for fasnachts. In Pennsylvania Dutch Country—the geographic area in the southeastern part of the state noted for its distinct German influence—a fasnacht is a traditional treat available on Shrove Tuesday, the day before Ash Wednesday when many Christians begin to fast for Lent. The word “fasnacht” has German roots and assumes a variety of spellings depending on whom you ask. But no matter which iteration, the term translates to “fasting night.”…
