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Kaiserslautern’s traditional “Oktoberkerwe,” October carnival, starts
today and continues through Oct. 23 at the Messeplatz fairgrounds. The
fest is the biggest of its kind in the Westpfalz area and offers an
amusement park with rides, vendors, food and candy booths on a 40,000
square meter area.
Deputy Mayor Dr. Arne Oeckinghaus officially opens the event by tapping
the first keg of beer at 6 p.m. today on the patio of the bistro tent.
After dark, a giant fireworks display will be lit.
More than 140 carnies and vendors will be available. Speedy rides are
offered on “Magic,” “Break Dance” and on the “Wild Mouse,” a roller
coaster. The “Flying Carpet” takes visitors on a trip through the
orient and “Muisk Express” takes them up and down. Germany’s only
water-fun-maze “Aqua Velis” offers flying water fountains on three
stories. “Mystery,” a universe of mysteries and action, takes visitors
into a scary world. Acrobats on motorcycles driving up steep walls
provide entertainment with their show “Inferno of Motors.”
Children can enjoy a variety of rides and games. They can test driving
skills in mini-scooters and fly through the world in a ride called
“Wellenflieger.” Fun for families will include crossbow shooting,
fishing and can throwing.
Carnival goers can tour the little shopping street, where vendors sell
a variety of merchandise including clothes, curtains, jewelry, leather
bags, household items and toys.
Oktoberkerwe also features beer gardens, bistros, tents and numerous
food stands that offer local and international culinary specialties.
Family day with reduced prices is scheduled for Wednesday.
Organizers again present a Halloween and Dollar Day Oct. 20. The U.S.
currency will be accepted that day and the carnies are willing to
provide a one-to-one exchange rate.
Visitors dressed in costumes receive discounts, little surprises and a
free drink in the bistro tent. Owners of children’s rides will also
participate in the special event under the motto “pay once – ride
twice.” Children will receive a free chip with every paid chip.
A colorful “thank you” fireworks display will close out the event the night of Oct. 23.
Daily hours are 2 to 11 p.m. On weekends, activities start at 1 p.m.
and Saturdays, the carnival is open until midnight. Some vendors and
food booths will open at 11 a.m. each day.
Traditionally, the first Sunday during “Oktoberkerwe,” stores in Kaiserslautern open 1 to 6 p.m.
