State Fair takes place in Speyer

Petra Lessoing
Kaiserslautern American

This year, Speyer is the stage for the annual Rheinland-Pfalz State
Fair today through Sunday. Cities, union communities of the state of
Rheinland-Pfalz and military forces participate in the fair and
demonstrate who they are and what they have to offer.

Entertaining programs with live music, dance performances,
presentations and displays are offered on stages, and activity areas
throughout the center and the Rhein River.

The official opening is at 6 p.m. today on the stage near the technical
museum with renowned bands such as Sasha and Band and BAP. Highlights
include a special water show 3 to 5 p.m. Saturday on the Rhine River
and the parade 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday.

The U.S. Air Force participates in the event with security forces from Ramstein and Vogelweh, a fire truck and Sparky.

The U.S. Army is represented by the 21st Theater Support Command and
its Apprenticeship Program of the General Support Center, Europe and
the 95th Military Police Dog Demonstration Team. The U.S. Army Europe
Band performs in the fest parade 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday.

The city of Kaiserslautern has an information stand regarding the FIFA
World Cup. The stand looks like a giant soccer ball, and is surrounded
by a game and adventure world. Human table soccer, four street soccer
courts and speed measuring shooting installation provides visitors the
possibility to test their sports skills.

Information about the Kaiserslautern Garden Fair, Japanese Garden,
leisure activities, displays and events will be passed out. During the
parade, members of the Helmnot Theater walk on stilts and roll giant
steel soccer balls.
Next year’s state fair is scheduled for June 29 to July 1 in Baumholder.