Fest demonstrates old craftsmanship

The Kaiserslautern forestry office and the villages of Hochspeyer, Frankenstein and Waldleiningen sponsor, in cooperation with local associations, the ninth “Triftfest,” or drifting fest, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday at the Biedenbacher Woog (pond)
in the Leinbach Valley.

Families with children, senior citizens, equestrians, hikers and bicyclists will experience how the drifting of timber worked in former times. Drifting timber is the transportation of wood on the water.

“Three times throughout the day, visitors can watch demonstrations showing how the wood was transported on creeks through the Leinbach Valley,” said Sabine Tie from the tourist office in Hochspeyer. “So-called drifting menials let the rafters’ craftsmanship revive and give historical explanations of the cultural background.”

Show driftings will take place at 12:30, 2 and 3:30 p.m. In between, waggoners from the region will give a crack of their whips to entertain the audience.

“Just like last year, children can test their wood carving skills, participate in a duck race and win great prizes,” Mrs. Tie said.

Adults and children will have the possibility to climb up trees and learn about the forest.

Members of local associations will serve grilled game specialties, Palatinate delicacies, beverages, coffee and homemade cake.

The Biedenbacher Woog is located between Frankenstein and Waldleiningen.
Visitors can get there by foot, bicycle, on horse, or in carriages.

They can park their vehicles at the Frankenstein train station or the Waldleiningen sewage plant (Kläranlage) and enter a shuttle bus for a small fee. It is not possible to drive in privately owned vehicles to the fest area.

For more information and directions, contact Mrs. Tie at 06305-71147 or by e-mail at s.tie@Hochspeyer.rlp.de.