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***image1***Ramstein-Miesenbach will hold its annual “Wendelinusmarkt” Saturday and
Sunday in the center of town. The market will feature special
activities, craftsmanship demonstrations, a car show, flea market,
rides and musical entertainment.
It also includes a model train swap meet taking place 1 to 6 p.m. Sunday in the Haus des Bürgers.
Mayor Klaus Layes will officially open Wendelinusmarkt by tapping the
first keg of beer at 11 a.m. Saturday near the city hall. The Ramstein
Street Musicians will perform 3 to 5 p.m. and DJ Jürgen will provide
entertaining for a party starting at 6 p.m.
A flea market will lure visitors to Spesbacher Strasse and a car
display will be set up on Marktplatz. Local craftsmen will present
their skills and about 100 vendors will offer a variety of merchandise
to include culinary specialties. Those who want to be active can try
out the bungee trampoline.
Together with the Ramstein Children’s and Youth Choir, the Kolping
Family will serve sandwiches with German wurst, cakes, coffee as well
as “glühwein,” a spicy heated red wine.
“Like every year, all net profits will go the children’s cancer aid
again,” said Ludwig Linsmayer, chief of the Ramstein Kolping Family.
“Saturday, shoppers have time until 6 p.m. to stroll through local
stores,” said Stefan Layes, Ramstein-Miesenbach public affairs office.
“And Sunday, stores will be open 1 to 6 p.m.”
***image2***Sunday activities will start at 11 a.m. with “Frühschoppen,” an early
morning beer get-together. A group of musicians in colorful costumes
will present “Guggemusik” from 4 to 6 p.m.
More than 50 exhibitors will present everything having to do with model trains from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Haus des Bürgers.
“Vendors from throughout Germany and neighboring countries will display
and offer trains, accessories, tin toys and dolls,” said swap meet
organizer Manfred Küster.
Model train friends will find locomotives, carriages, tracks, signals, houses, lamps and bridges.
“We don’t only want to sell items but also showcase a variety of interesting model trains and tracks,” said Mr. Küster.
The Mannheim Model Car Club will showcase a miniature race track where
children can test their racing skills and Rolf Dindorf will present a
miniature carnival.
“The origin of Wendelinus market dates back to the 18th century when it
was a church fest celebrated in honor of church patron Saint
Wendelinus,” said Mr. Layes.
In the beginning of the 18th century when most village residents were
farmers, an epidemic threatened Ramstein’s cattle. People started
praying to Saint Wendelinus, the saint of plague, who was asked for
help in case of contagious diseases.
“Our citizens promised to celebrate the day of Saint Wendelinus each year if the epidemic would end,” said Mr. Layes.
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, without
interruption.
Afterwards, 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 center of Ramstein-Miesenbach will be closed to motorized traffic.
