State fair takes place today to Sunday in Ramstein-Miesenbach

The annual Rheinland-Pfalz State Fair will take place today through Sunday in Ramstein-Miesenbach. Cities and union communities of the state of Rheinland-Pfalz, charity organizations as well as military forces will participate in the fair to demonstrate who they are and what they have to offer.

“Attractive and diversified entertainment programs with live music, dance performances, presentations and displays will be offered on 11 stages and in 29 activity areas in the center of Ramstein-Miesenbach,” said Stefan Layes, chief of Ramstein-Miesenbach’s public affairs office.  “Regional radio stations will present live music with renowned music groups and singers.”

Tonight, Eurovision Song Contest winner, Lena, will perform as well as the band Die Dicken Kinder. Top act Saturday night will be rapper Kool Savas and the local band Brass Machine. Sunday at 6 p.m., the Ambassadors Jazz Ensemble of the U.S. Air Forces in Europe Band will perform.

The market of cities and counties on Spesbacher and Landstuhler Strasse will reflect the diversity of the communities in Rheinland-Pfalz. It will display offers for tourists, traditional craftsmanship and culinary specialties from the different regions.

A farmers and organic market will be set up on Schernauer Strasse with more than 30 farmers and vendors presenting their products, which visitors can taste.

Rescue and relief services such as federal and state police, Red Cross, firefighters and customs can be found on the at the Edeka parking lot.

Sports and games to include soccer, golfing, Nordic walking, chess, bungee-running, jumping and tennis can be found on the sports field in Reichswald stadium.

German and U.S. military members will present their work and display equipment in a camp set up in Reichswald stadium.

“The big festival parade starting at 1 p.m. Sunday with more than 2,500 participants will be one of the highlights,” said Ramstein-Miesenbach’s deputy mayor Ludwig Linsmayer.  “We are proud to be able to host this big annual event and expect many international guests, including our American neighbors.”

The Deutsche Bahn railroad company will offer additional trains and busses throughout the weekend. Trains will take passengers to Kaiserslautern, Homburg and Kusel after 1 a.m. and 2 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. The regional bus lines 141, 142, 143, 145 and 153 take visitors from Kaiserslautern, Miesau, Landstuhl, Schopp and Reichenbach to the state fair and back. The busses will run today from 6 p.m. to 1 a.m., on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 a.m., and on Sunday from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Tickets will be available in the bus, at the ticket machines or in the Reisezentrum (travel center) at the Kaiserslautern train station.

For more information and a detailed program, visit www.ramstein-gateway.com or www.ramstein-2015.de. English programs will also be available at the Window to Rheinland-Pfalz information counter in the KMCC.

Helpful information for motorists:

• Ramstein East and West Gates will be open as normal today to Sunday. However, foot and vehicle traffic leading up to the West Gate will be very high, so motorists should use extreme caution when driving in that area. The LVIS gate will have extended operating hours to help ease the traffic in the West Gate area. LVIS hours are as 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. today and 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. In and out lanes will both be open during these hours.

• Country road L356 along the southern and eastern side of Ramstein-Miesenbach will be closed from 11 a.m. today to 10 p.m. Sunday.