Americans participate in Rheinland-Pfalz State Fair

The annual Rheinland-Pfalz State Fair takes place May 14 to 16 in Nierstein-Oppenheim.
Cities and union communities of the state of Rheinland-Pfalz participate in the event and show who they are and what they have to offer. Thirteen stages with live music and show programs are put up throughout the center of town.
A farmer’s market lures visitors with regional agricultural products.
American and German forces display their latest military techniques. The 435th Security Forces Group, Sparky from the Fire Protection Flight and the U.S. Air Forces in Europe Band represent the U.S. Air Force.
“We will display weapons ranging from M16 to MK-19, vehicles such as the law enforcement police car and regular security police equipment,” said Tech. Sgt. Donald Doyle, 435th SFG resource advisor. “We will be 14 people total, seven U.S. servicemembers and seven of our German counterparts.”
The 21st Theater Support Command represents the U.S. Army. “We will present the Apprenticeship Program of the General Support Center, Europe,” said Brigitte Bénézet, 21st TSC International Relations. “Appren-tices from the carpenter shop, automotive shop and the communications electronics shop present their work.”
The 221st Base Support Battalion from Dexheim provides typical American food in a tent on the military area. The U.S. Army Europe Choir performs at 5 p.m. Saturday on the stage “Bühne der Regionen” in Nierstein.
Five Soldiers from the 21st TSC, who have been awarded for special achievements, and four apprentices from GSC-E attend the youth reception hosted by Minister President Kurt Beck at 3 p.m. May 14.
Mr. Beck will also greet seven servicemembers: Senior Airman Stephanie Hamm, 735th Civil Engineer Squadron, Airman 1st Class Keith Mack, 426th Information Operations Squadron, Senior Airman Vanessa Sanchez, Headquarters Airnorth, Airman 1st Class Michael McGrath, 723rd Air Mobility Squadron, Airman 1st Class Benjamin Kuhl, USAFE Operational Weather Squadron, Airman 1st Class Lauren Sahai, USAFE Air Mobility Operations Control Center and Airman 1st Class Chris Griffith, 1st Combat Communications Squadron.
The minister president officially opens the fair at 6 p.m. from the stage in Gemeindepark.
The German-American Com-munity Office will have a stand in the area of the Kaiserslautern city and county tourist offices. GACO will present who they are and provide needful information.
On behalf of the 3rd Air Force Commander, Maj. Gen. Michael W. Wooley, Brig. Gen. Rosanne Bailey, 435th Air Base Wing commander, will host this year’s military reception at 3 p.m. Saturday in the Gundrum Vinery.
The Vogelweh Gospel Choir performs at 2 p.m. Saturday and the USAFE Band performs in the parade with decorated wagons starting at 1:30 p.m. Sunday.
Nierstein-Oppenheim is located on federal street B9, south of Mainz and north of Worms.
The Deutsche Bahn offers trains going to Nierstein-Oppenheim. Up to five passengers can ride with the Rheinland-Pfalz-Ticket for 21 EUR. On the day of the parade, May 16, a special train leaves Kaiserslauten at 11:18 a.m. and departs Oppenheim to return at 6:49 p.m.