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Ramstein-Miesenbach will sponsor its annual Wendelinus market from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday in the center of town.
“Ever since 1986, local store owners keep up the tradition of holding the market at the end of October and offer Sunday shopping from 1 to 6 p.m.,” said Stefan Layes from the Ramstein-Miesenbach public information office.
The history of Wendelinusmarkt dates back to the beginning of the 18th century when most village residents were farmers and an epidemic threatened Ramstein’s cattle. People started praying to Saint Wendelinus, the saint of plague, who was asked to help in case of contagious diseases. They promised to celebrate the day of Saint Wendelinus each year if the epidemic would end.
The first celebration was on a Monday in 1710. People didn’t want to work that day and schools were closed. Relatives living outside of Ramstein came to visit, went to confession and listened to the fest sermon conducted by several priests from three altars for 12 hours without interruption.
Afterward, people stopped at the chestnut carnival in front of the church where rosaries, crucifixes, prayer books, candles and chestnuts were sold. Years ago, the 12-hour prayer was moved to Sunday, and the local Catholic holiday lost its importance.
The market wasted away throughout the years until the Ramstein shop owners and businesses revived it in the fall of 1986. The new Wendelinus market with Sunday shopping was born.
Wendelinus market will feature about 100 vendors, craftsmen and store owners who present their merchandise throughout the streets in the center, which will be closed to motorized traffic. The event will officially open at 11 a.m. Saturday with a worship service and the blessing of animals in front of the museum. If the weather is bad, the opening will take place in the fest tent.
“Visitors can bring their pets and get them blessed,” Layes said.
“Wendelinus fest will include a French market with more than 20 vendors selling French specialties, such as meat pies, terrines, crepes, flammkuchen and champagne,” Layes added. Accordion players will provide French music.
“This year we will highlight Africa with two arts and crafts stands and African music,” said organizer Joe Felka. “Visitors also can taste African food specialties.”
Other delicacies offered during Wendelinus market are bratwurst, grilled ham, pork roast, as well as Asian and Italian dishes.
Together with the Ramstein Children’s and Youth Choir, the Kolping Family will sell coffee and homemade cakes. Net profits will go the children’s cancer aid.
Stores will be open for Sunday shopping from 1 to 6 p.m. The local culture center, Haus des Bürgers, will celebrate its annual October fest today through Sunday in the big fest tent on Marktplatz. The party band Heaven Seven will perform at 8 p.m. today. Saturday’s concert with the Habachtaler is sold out already. Starting at 11 a.m. Sunday, the band Die Fuchshecker will entertain the audience for free. For details on the October fest, visit wwwoktoberfest-ramstein.de.
“If the weather is nice, we expect about 30,000 visitors to join us for Wendelinus market,” Felka said.
