Lake fest features entertainment, fireworks

Petra Lessoing
Kaiserslautern American


***image1******image2***The union community of Schönenberg-Kübelberg celebrates its 20th romantic lake fest at Ohmbachsee today through Sunday.
Every year, during the third weekend in July, the lake turns into a big natural stage with plenty of lights, music and shows.
The fest at Ohmbachsee lures thousands of visitors to watch musical performances on different stages around the lake, water sports presentations, a boat parade and a fireworks display.
The fest officially opens at 8 p.m. today with gun salutes and the tapping of the first keg of beer. Musical entertainment is provided until 1:30 a.m. Saturday by several bands: Louisiana, Top 2, More Than One and Voodoo Lounge performing a Rolling-Stones-show. The canoe club offers a torch ride on the lake at 10:30 p.m.
Saturday, the bands Jolly Roger, Hole Full of Love, Meengess, Undercover, O.K. Live and Rattles provide musical entertainment from 9 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.
At 10:30 p.m., the lake will be “set on flames” with lights and a fireworks display.
Sunday activities start with an ecumenical worship service at 10 a.m. on the camping grounds.
A jazz matinée with different groups begins on three stages at 11:30 a.m.
The afternoon is dedicated to families. The children’s program features an Indian Powwow and performances by Markus, the magician. There are presentations by dance groups and activities on the lake.
The evening program starts at 8 p.m. with the bands Orange 4, Knutschfleck, New Generation and Franz-Kah-Band.
Another fireworks display above the lake closes out the fest.
Visitors can taste Palatinate and international food specialties at 50 food booths.
Throughout the weekend, helicopter round trips are offered.
Admission tickets cost 3 EUR. Children under 15 are admitted free. A three-day ticket is available for 5 EUR.
Ohmbach lake is northwest of Bruchmühlbach-Miesau, between Elschbach and Schönenberg-Kübelberg. With a surface of 15 hectares, it’s the biggest lake in the Westpfalz area. There is a campground and the possibility to fish, sail, surf and rent little boats.