Market presents herbal secrets

The Lichtenberg Castle near Kusel will be the stage for an herbal market from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. Guided tours through the medieval herbal garden of the castle, herbal hikes, lectures and presentations will be offered under the motto, “Herbal secrets at Lichtenberg Castle.”

Numerous exhibitors and vendors will present diversified herbs and herbal products, including herbs in pots, decorations, garden ceramics and literature. Stands will be set up to teach visitors how to use the common garden herbs, how they grow and how they are used for food and beverage specialties, in houses and for wellness and health. There will also be cooking shows and demonstrations on how to plant herbs in backyards and keep away pests.

Vendors will sell a wide variety of products, such as tea, syrup, liquor, spices, oil, vinegar, marmalade, mustard, soap and herb pillows. Also available will be goat cheese, brooms and pottery items.

Guided tours through the medieval herb garden at the castle and hikes to get to know the herbs around the castle will be offered at 11 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. Those who are interested in experiencing wild herbs can participate in a hike around the castle at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Cooks of the Culinary County Road and of the Kusel Butcher Guild will demonstrate their cooking skills and serve food specialties made with herbs such as bratwurst, musicians’ county steaks and more. The band Die 3 aus Kusel will provide musical entertainment from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Tickets to the herbal market cost €1.50 for adults and are free for children under 12.

While exploring herbal secrets at the market, organizers suggest visitors also check out the two museums located in the castle area: the Musicians County Museum and Geoskop, the primeval world museum. Admission fee is 50 cents for adults and free for children.