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***image1***The Kaiserslautern “Oktoberkerwe,” or October carnival, takes place today through Oct. 29 on the Messeplatz fairgrounds. The big “amusement city” presents more than 140 vendors and ride owners, who offer their attractions, merchandise and food specialties.
The history of carnivals in Kaiserslautern goes back to March 1571, when Emperor Maximilian II granted the town of Kaiserslautern the right to hold two cattle markets each year. For this event, traveling people came to town, and the traditional “Kerwe,” or carnival, which nowadays is held in May and October, started to develop. Since World War II, the “Lautrer Kerwe”with 200,000 visitors today, has the reputation of being the biggest folks fest in the Westpfalz.
The carnival opens at 5 p.m. today. Deputy Mayor Dr. Susanne Wimmer-Leonhardt will tap the first keg of beer at 6 p.m. in the bistro tent. As soon as it gets dark, fireworks will begin.
The carnival offers a variety of rides for adults and children. Visitors who like thrills and loops should take a ride on the “Transformer.” Turning, swinging and flying is offered on “Space Party” and “Break Dance.” The rollercoaster “Fire and Ice” offers high speed. “Hollywood Dreamland” features gags, special effects and surprises on three levels and the “Jungle Train” goes back and forth in a circle. The haunted house “Crazy Halloween” is for people with strong nerves and the “Adventure Shuttle” presents a simulated adventure program for all senses.
Children can have fun with skills games and taking rides in miniscooters and merry-go-rounds. The skills booths offer archery, fishing or throwing cans.
Beer gardens, the chicken tent and the bistro and wine tent lure hungry and thirsty visitors. Palatinate and international culinary specialties such as crispy chicken, ham hocks, crepes, pizza and fish are also available at the food booths. A novelty this year is the China booth with Asian specialties.
***image2***The “shopping street” offers shopping fun even late at night and on the weekend. Vendors sell a variety of merchandise to include clothes, household items, leather goods, jewelry, spices, arts and crafts items.
Wednesday is family day with reduced prices and special offers until 7 p.m.
The carnival closes out with a colorful fireworks display after dark Oct. 29.
The rides are open 2 p.m. to midnight each day, and until midnight Saturdays. Some food booths and vendors open at 11 a.m.
Every year, during October carnival, stores in Kaiserslautern are open 1 to 6 p.m. Sunday.
