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A flea market of a special kind takes place March 4 to 6 in the event hall of the Kaiserslautern Gartenschau — the 50th annual Pfennig Bazaar, sponsored by the German-American and International Women’s Club Kaiserslautern, under the patronage of Kaiserslautern’s Lord Mayor Dr. Klaus Weichel.
The Pfennig Bazaar is known as the biggest flea market in the Westpfalz region. Its name originates from the former German currency, which was Deutsch Mark and Pfennigs, today euro and cents.
The bazaar is the club’s biggest fundraising event. All profits will be donated to various German, American and international charities, the Federation of German-American Clubs in Germany, the University of Kaiserslautern for its Student Exchange Program and the GAIWC’s Youth Program for American and German students.
“Last year we were able to donate a total amount of €25,000 to various organizations,” said German club president Bruni Pütz. “The Pfennig Bazaar was initiated 50 years ago to help needy people and since then, about €500,000 were donated.”
The German-American Women’s Club was established in 1956. Since then, other nationalities have been included and the name changed to include the word “international” as well.
“During the bazaar our job is to promote the knowledge of common grounds and differences. It is important to get to know and share our various methods of operations,” Mrs. Pütz said. “We foster friendship between German, American and other communities, and we try to bring together the youth of the different countries and help to overcome prejudices.”
The club is looking for donations for the bazaar such as clean clothes for men, women and children; shoes; household goods; books and toys; appliances; computers; collectibles; and music media.
Large furniture, mattresses, skis/ski shoes and other large sized items will not be accepted.
Donations can be dropped off from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday and from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday at the back entrance of the event hall on Forellenstrasse. To get there, take the B40 from Vogelweh to Kaiserslautern. After Pizza Attack turn right on Alte Brücke and the next left on Forellenstrasse.
“The event’s hall back entrance on Forellenstrasse is the only drop-off location,” said club member Brigitte Mees. “The front main entrance of the hall will be closed. We want to make sure donors understand and don’t carry their donations to the front entrance, see the sign and have to walk all the way around the huge building.”
The Pfennig Bazaar’s shopping dates and hours are from 1 to 7 p.m. March 4, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. March 5, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 6.
For more information and to volunteer, visit the club’s website at www.gaiwc.com.
