***image1***“Saar-Spektakel,” the largest water and water sports event in Germany, takes place today through Sunday in Saarbrücken.
More than 320,000 visitors from the area and its neighboring countries of France and Luxembourg are expected to join festivities in Bürgerpark and on the Saar River.
About 150 skippers from Germany, Great Britain, France, Switzerland and the Netherlands officially open the event with a motorboat star ride tonight.
Highlights include races with dragon boats, rides with amphibian vehicles and presentations of lifesaving methods in the water.
Children can test diving and look for treasures in a 26,000 liter diving truck set up with a separate pool.
The water event also features the German jet boat championships with speeding and freestyle contests.
At night, an entertaining program is presented on three stages. Special effects light up bridges, river banks and the water. Mermaids, Neptune and torch swimmers join in on the fun.
On both sides of the Saar River, participating clubs and institutions have informational booths set up to inform visitors on sailing, diving, boats and more.
Food booths offer the typical Saarland cuisine and specialties from various countries.
Event hours are 4 p.m. to midnight today, 2 p.m. to midnight Saturday and 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday.
For more information visit http://www.saar-spektakel.de. (Courtesy of Saarbrücken City and Tourist Office)