State fair takes place in Baumholder

***image1***The  annual Rheinland-Pfalz State Fair takes place today through Sunday in Baumholder. For the 24th time, cities, union communities of the state of Rheinland-Pfalz and military forces participate in the fair to demonstrate who they are and what they have to offer. This year’s fest focuses on the German-American friendship and the 60th anniversary of Rheinland-Pfalz.

Entertaining programs with live music, dance performances, presentations and displays are offered on stages and in activity areas around the town lake.
At the market of towns and districts, different regions of Rheinland-Pfalz have information and crafts stands. They also offer their culinary specialties. More food is offered by local restaurants on the banks of the town lake.

The U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force present themselves at the forces site near the train station. The KMC is represented by the 435th Security Forces, Fire Department, Explosive Ordnance Disposal, 37th Airlift Squadron and 1st Combat Communications Squadron offering displays and demonstrations.

The Army side of the KMC sends the 21st Theater Support Command to show their apprenticeship program. The 5th Quartermaster Riggers demonstrate how to pack parachutes and the 1st Armored Division presents various vehicles and equipment.

***image2***Baumholder is known as the largest garrison town in Germany.
“The history of Baumholder and our state as well as the German-U.S. friendship will be clearly expressed during the state festival,” said Minister President of Rheinland-Pfalz, Kurt Beck.

Traditionally, he sponsors a military youth reception for selected Soldiers from Baumholder, Airmen from Ramstein and members of the German Bundeswehr at 2 p.m. today.

A farmers and organic market is set up along the banks. Farmers and vintners present their products such as goat cheese, sausages, organic juices, bread, sparkling rose wine, schnapps and liquors.

Rescue and relief services can be found on the fairgrounds. They show training materiel, techniques and K-9 rescue demonstrations. There is a bouncy castle and climbing tower for children and a blood test and pressure station.

A sports and games festival with bungee trampoline, mobile climbing wall, soap bubble playground and more takes place in the stadium.

Minister President Beck officially opens the state fair at 6 p.m. today on the stage near Brühlstadion before various bands such as Undercover, Mega Band, Menschenskinder, US 5 start playing.

Water shows on the lake with a water ski group and rescue boats are scheduled for 3 and 4 p.m. today, and 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

The entertaining programs with bands, disc jockey, clowns, artists, dancers, demonstrations and displays start at 10 a.m. Saturday and Sunday.

One highlight is the traditional festival parade from 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday. More than 125 groups, associations, clubs and bands including the U.S. Army Europe Band take part. Kaiserslautern sends Miss Rheinland-Pfalz and sports representatives.

A fireworks display closes out the festival around 10:30 p.m. Sunday.
Visitors arriving by car, will be directed to parking lots on the outskirts of Baumholder. A Park and Ride service will be available to and from the festival. The parking lots are marked by color to ensure visitors find their cars again. Those who rather take the train, can board in Kaiserslautern and ride to Kusel and Lauterecken. From there, buses run directly to Baumholder.

The Rheinland-Pfalz State Fair 2008 takes place June 13 to 15 in Bad Neuenahr-Ahrweiler.

For more information and a detailed program, visit www.rlp-tag.de.