‘Little residence’ celebrates summer fest

by Petra Lessoing
Kaiserslautern American


***image1***Kirchheimbolanden celebrates its annual summer fest, called “Residenzfest,” residence fest, the second weekend in August. The fest which also is known as “three summer days in the little residence” takes place Saturday through Monday.

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 and that’s when the town wall with 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.

A “Culture Night” featuring exhibits, music, fairy tales for adults and ballet performances unofficially starts the fest at 5 p.m. today. Events take place at the local museum (Heimatmuseum), Paulskirche, Volksbank, town library, Café Mandala and the Hoormann-Bolanden Gallery.

Mayor Klaus Hartmüller, the Palatinate Wine Queen and other wine majesties officially open Residenzfest at 5 p.m. Saturday on Römerplatz.
The first activity, an annual tradition, is the run for children called “Bambini Run” starting at 5:45 p.m. followed by the run for adults called “Residence Run” at 6 p.m.

In back yards, arcades and around the town, local clubs and wine-growers offer wines of the area, other beverages and international and Palatinate food specialties. Bands and jugglers will entertain in the center of town. 

At 11:15 a.m. Sunday is a ballet matinée, “Summer Dreams dance around the World,” in the Schlossgarten (palace garden). In the case of rain, the classic-jazz-musical-revue will be presented in TVK-Halle.

Students of a martial arts school present their skills at 2 and 5 p.m. And, an organ concert is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. in Paulskirche.

The band Nimm 2 plays the hits by Billy Joel to Frank Sinatra at 9 p.m. And, a glow-worm and lantern parade leading through the old part of town starts at 9:30 p.m.

Monday, vintners’ yards open around noon with food specialties. The summer fest closes with a fireworks display at 10:30 p.m.

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