Ramstein hosts market Sunday

by Petra Lessoing
435th Air Base Wing Public Affairs


***image2***The Rheinland-Pfalz Agricultural Chamber sponsors the Farmers’ Market for the 12th consecutive time in Ramstein-Miesenbach Sunday, which is observed as Thanksgiving Day in Germany.

Under the auspices of Mayor Klaus Layes, the market is also the stage for the State Thanksgiving Fest of the Farmers and Vintners Association of Rheinland-Pfalz Süd.
“More than 30 regional farmers and vendors offer their products,” said Stefan Layes from the city of Ramstein-Miesenbach.

The listing of fresh products for sale and to eat on the spot will include beef, lamb and pork meat, meat from game, potatoes, potato pancakes, potato soup, fish specialties, dairy products such as yoghurt, cheese and butter, honey, honey wine, honey liquor, wurst, eggs, pasta and baking goods. Visitors will also have a choice of schnaps, liquors and wine.

Other items to be sold are candles, tea, coffee, herbs, wooden household tools, toys, decoration items and cookbooks.

“Like in the last year, the market again shows off traditional craftsmanship skills including pottery, basket weaving, woodcarving and floristry,” said Mr. Layes.
The event will also feature entertainment with street musicians, information stands on agriculture and agricultural products, pony rides and face painting for children. An animal show will present rabbits, chickens, pigeons, lambs, sheep, donkeys and ponies. In front of the Ramstein Museum, visitors will be able to watch sheep-shearing demonstrations.

***image1***Historical tractors will be on display in the streets and an exhibition on potatoes will take place in the town hall. Nutrition experts will give out tips about potatoes and how to cook them correctly. In a potato lab, children will be able to explore the components of potatoes.

The UNO designated 2008 as “International Year of the Potato.”

Visitors who get the right answers in a farmers’ market quiz can win more than 100 prizes.

The farmers’ market will officially open at 10 a.m. in the Haus des Bürgers and will be followed by a Thanksgiving worship service. Local stores will offer Sunday shopping from 1 to 6 p.m.