Gartenschau holds pumpkin festival

The Neumühlepark area at the Kaiserslautern Gartenschau turned into a kingdom of fairy tales yesterday.

Until Oct. 31, the third pumpkin festival displays life-size fairy tale figures and fairy tale sceneries made of pumpkins.

About 50,000 pumpkins of 150 breeds were used to create all figures and sceneries from fairy tales.

“A giant fairy tale book made of pumpkins will welcome our visitors at the entrance,” said Andrea Hess from the Gartenschau public affairs team. “Fairy tales from the Grimm Brothers on display include ‘Hänsel and Gretel,’ ‘Puss in Boots,’ and ‘The Wishing Table.’”

One giant pumpkin has been turned into the carriage in which Cinderella drove to the ball. Dark Rondini pumpkins were used to create Emperor Barbarossa and pumpkins called Mandarin or Jack be Little form his orange-red beard. Another well-known character is Pipi Longstocking.

About 10,000 pumpkins will be held until the end of the season to exchange bad ones on a regular basis.

“In our store we sell products made of pumpkins and at a stand near the entrance, colorful and tasty pumpkins and those that are good for decorations and carving are on sale,” Hess said.

The Gartenschau restaurant offers a special menu with pumpkin dishes.  
The Third Open Pumpkin-Weighing Championship in Rheinland-Pfalz is scheduled for Sept. 25. Pumpkin breeders and hobby gardeners can participate.

For registration details, visit www.gartenschau-kl.de/service.kuerbisfestival-2011, call 0631-710070 or e-mail info@gartenschau-kl.de.

The first winner will receive €1,000, the second €500 and the third €250.
“Visitors will be able to admire the winning pumpkins at the Gartenschau until it closes Oct. 31,” Hess said.

The championship will start at 1 p.m. Sept. 25 near the fountain in front of the entrance.

The Gartenschau is open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays, and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturdays, Sundays, Oct. 3 and during German school break, Oct. 10 to 22. Tickets cost €6 for adults and €3 for children.

For more information about the pumpkin festival, go online and visit  www.gartenschau-kl.de.