Kaiserslautern’s October carnival starts today

Editor’s Note: This article was published in a previous edition of the Kaiserslautern American and the information has been updated to reflect this year’s event.

Kaiserslautern’s traditional “Oktoberkerwe,” or October carnival, starts today and continues through Oct. 28. More than 140 ride owners and vendors will offer their attractions and merchandise at Messeplatz fairgrounds.

The amusement park will open at 5 p.m. and the official opening with tapping the first keg of beer will be at 7 p.m. in the big fest tent. When it’s dark, around 9 p.m., a fireworks show will signal the start of the 11-day event.

Oktoberkerwe will offer a variety of rides for adults and children. Magic House, with its three different adventure areas and over 70 special effects will take carnival-goers to a myterious world, “Freddy’s Company“ will show you a mixture of comedy and company and surprises with its unique set-up. Another highlight is “Aprés-Ski-Party” a turning glass mirror maze which is a premiere to the fair. Participants will experience funny surprises and can prove their skills in balance and agility. Don’t miss out on the authentic Bavarian carousel “Disko-Fieber” or the speedy “Magic” with its LED, fog and sound effects, guaranteeing a great ride.

Children can have fun with games and ride on ponies, mini scooters and merry-go-rounds. Booths will offer archery, fishing or throwing cans.

Beer gardens, bistros and various tents will lure hungry and thirsty visitors. Palatinate and international culinary specialties will be sold at the food booths.

The “shopping street” will take visitors on a shopping trip. Until late at night they can buy a variety of merchandise to include jewelry, clothes, curtains, household items, leather goods, spices and arts and crafts items.

Family day with reduced prices and special offers until 7 p.m. is scheduled for Oct. 24. A kids theater will be offered at 4 p.m. in the fest tent as well as free kids face painting and a balloon artist.

For the first time there will be a German-American Friendship Day Oct. 25 with cheerleader groups and line-dancing.

The ride owners and vendors will say ‘Thank You’ to their customers with a colorful fireworks display around 9 p.m. Oct. 28 to close out the event.

The rides will be open 2-11 p.m. each day, and until midnight Friday and Saturday. Some food booths and vendors will start selling their specialties and merchandise at 11 a.m. each day.

Traditionally, on the first Sunday during Okto­berkerwe, stores will be open. Sunday shopping will be possible 1 to 6 p.m. Sunday in the stores in the center of town and in the industrial park around Merkurstrasse.