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***image1***The Ramstein-Miesenbach Advertising Association sponsors the annual “Wendelinusmarkt” Saturday and Sunday in the center of town. The market features special activities, a flea market, rides and musical entertainment.
Traditionally, stores are open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, and 1 to 6 p.m. Sunday.
“For decades, Ramstein is celebrating the Wendelinus fest,” said Ralf Hechler from the local advertising association.
The history of the event dates back to the beginning of the 18th century, when most village residents were farmers and an epidemic threatened Ramstein’s cattle. People started praying to Saint Wendelinus, the saint of plague, who was asked for help in case of contagious diseases. They promised to celebrate the day of Saint Wendelinus each year if the epidemic would end.
The first celebration was on a Monday in 1710. People didn’t want to work that day and schools were closed. Relatives living outside of Ramstein came to visit, went to confession and listened to the fest sermon conducted by several priests from three altars, without interruption.
Afterwards, people stopped at the chestnut carnival in front of the church, where rosaries, crucifixes, prayer books, candles and chestnuts were sold. Years ago, the 12-hour prayer was moved to Sunday, and the local Catholic holiday lost its importance.
“The market wasted away throughout the years until the Ramstein shop owners and businesses revived it in fall of 1986,” said Herr Hechler. “The new Wendelinus market with Sunday shopping was born.”
Mayor Klaus Layes and Herr Hechler will officially open Wendelinusmarkt by tapping the first keg of beer and passing out 50 liters of free beer at 11 a.m. Saturday in front of the museum.
More than 100 vendors are available to offer a variety of merchandise. Culinary specialties include Palatinate, Asian and other international food items. On the intersection near the museum, a pig will be roasted.
Together with the Ramstein Children’s and Youth Choir, the Kolping Family will serve sandwiches with German wurst, cakes, coffee as well as glühwein, which is a spicy heated red wine. “Like every year, all net profits will go the children’s cancer aid again,” said Ludwig Linsmayer, chief of the Ramstein Kolping Family.
Saturday, a night fleamarket is open until midnight on Flurstrasse. Six music associations will provide the musical entertainment and the marching band Blechchaoten entertain visitors in the streets.
“We are hoping for nice and sunny fall weather, and we expect more than 20,000 visitors who will enjoy our attractive entertaining program,” said Herr Hechler.
The center of Ramstein-Miesenbach will be closed to motorized traffic.
