Otterberg holds traditional spring fest

***image1***Otterberg celebrates its traditional spring fest Saturday through Monday. The fest takes place every two years in June, in turn with the old town fest.

The spring queen, Julia I., officially opens the fest at 7 p.m. Saturday in front of the Abbey Church. The queen gets local support by the music association Harmonie. Throughout the evening visitors can enjoy musical entertainment.

The music duet A&S performs at 8:30 p.m. to be followed by the band 7th Proof at 10:30 p.m. In case of inclement weather, performances take place in the Stadthalle.

***image2***Sunday starts with the so-called wake-up call provided by gun salutes at 6 a.m. Traditionally, members of the Harmonie music association walk through the streets of the town while playing music.

At 1 p.m., a parade with decorated floats, people in historical costumes, children in disguise, walking groups and music bands goes through the town. A total of about 1,000 participants walk on Hauptstrasse to the festgrounds in the forest. There, visitors can celebrate, eat, drink and listen to the music of regional music groups.

Those who do not walk can take the shuttle bus from the center of Otterberg to the forest parking lot.

Spring fest continues at 2 p.m. Monday with a walk from the center to the festgrounds, where music, foods and drinks are provided throughout the afternoon.