Summer fest in ‘little residence’ features entertainment, food, wines

Kirchheimbolanden will celebrate its 66th annual summer fest called “Residenzfest,” meaning “residence fest,” Saturday through Monday. The fest, which is also known as “three summer days in the little residence,” features live music, culinary specialties, wines, Sunday shopping and a fireworks display.

Kirchheimbolanden is called the “little residence,” because it was the residence of the princes of Nassau-Weilburg for about 400 years. In 1368, it received town rights. That’s when the town wall with town gates and towers was built. The palace, palace garden, ball house, orangery, court church and baroque houses were built in the 18th century. These buildings reflect the character of the town.

City officials, including the mayor and the wine and beer majesties, will open Residenzfest at 5 p.m. Saturday on Roemerplatz.

The first activity, which takes place each year, is the run for children starting at 5:45 p.m. followed by the run for adults at 6 p.m.

In back yards, arcades and around the towers, local clubs and wine growers will offer wines from the area, other beverages and international and Palatinate food specialties. Visitors can taste liver dumplings with sauerkraut, potato pancakes, vintners pot with fried potatoes, ham hocks, riesling ham, summer salad with shrimps, goulash soup, fish and vegetarian dishes.

Sunday will start with a ballet matinee under the motto “Dancing — poetry of the body” at 11a.m. in the palace garden. Stores will be open from 1 to 6 p.m.

An organ concert by Martin Reitzig is scheduled for 6 p.m. in Paulskirche.

The duet Nimm 2 will present piano hits and swing rarities from Billy Joel to Frank Sinatra starting at 7 p.m. in the old part of town. A glowworm and lantern parade leading through the old part of town will begin at 9:30 p.m.

Monday, vintners’ yards will open at 6:30 p.m. and offer live music. The band Pirm Jam will play acoustic rock at 7 p.m on the stage on Roemerplatz. The summer fest will close with a fireworks display at 10:30 p.m.

Today starting at 3 p.m., artists, musicians, lectures and displays will start the “Culture Night.”

For details on all events in different locations, visit www.kirchheimbolanden.de/_files/Kulturnacht2016.pdf.

Kirchheimbolanden is located north of Kaiserslautern, about 25 kilometers from Sembach on federal street B40.

For details, visit www.donnersberg-touristik.de or www.kirchheimbolanden.de.