Plan ahead for Bad Dürkheim wine festival

Bad Dürkheim Wine Festival will be from Sept. 7 to 11 and Sept. 14 to 17. The USAG Rheinland Pfalz Department of Emergency Services, and 569th U.S. Forces Police Squadron remind all Kaiserslautern Military Community members who plan on drinking alcohol to have a reliable transportation plan.

“While it is a great festival, last year we had over 26 alcohol-related incidents occur just within the first four days of the festival,” said Tech Sgt. Swen Swearingen, 569th USFPS operations noncommissioned officer in-charge. “Over half of last year’s incidents we responded to could have been prevented by having a plan and a good wingman.”

If you attend the festival, the US Army Garrison Rheinland-Pfalz Department of Emergency Services and 569th USFPS remind all attendees to have a plan before and a back-up plan. As always, drink and behave responsibly.

“As we have always supported this event in previous years, you will see plenty of Polizei, US Army Military Police, and 569 US Force Police out to ensure everyone has a safe and fun time,” Swearingen said.

In order to keep all attendees and their families’ safe on the roads, be prepared for checkpoints around the festival and various train stations.

While at the festival, if you need assistance, the Polizei substation will be located near the North entrance, adjacent to the Deutsche Red Cross tent. In addition, call 112, which works all over Germany, for any emergencies.