Ramstein holds Wendelinus market, October fest

Ramstein-Miesenbach will hold its traditional Wendelinusmarkt 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday in the center of town. Each year, on the fourth Sunday in October, the local advertising association sponsors a market with vendors and an entertaining program to remind of its origin.

The history of Wendelinus-markt dates back to the beginning of the 18th century when most village residents were farmers, and an epidemic threatened Ramstein’s cattle. People started praying to Saint Wendelinus, the saint of plague, who was asked for help in case of contagious diseases. They promised to celebrate the day of Saint Wendelinus each year if the epidemic would end.

The first celebration was on a Monday in 1710. People didn’t want to work that day and schools were closed. Relatives living outside of Ramstein came to visit, went to confession and listened to the fest sermon conducted by several priests from three altars, for 12 hours, without interruption.

Afterwards, people stopped at the chestnut carnival in front of the church, where rosaries, crucifixes, prayer books, candles and chestnuts were sold. Years ago, the 12-hour prayer was moved to Sunday, and the local Catholic holiday lost its importance.

“Wendelinus market will feature about 100 exhibitors presenting arts, crafts and other merchandise in the center of town, which will be closed to motorized traffic,” said Joe Felka, market organizer. “Stores will also be open 1 to 6 p.m. Sunday.”

Visitors can enjoy German, Asian and Italian delicacies or make a stop at the French market with culinary specialties such as patés, terrines, cremant, champagne, crepes and tarte flambée. Children can enjoy rides on merry-go-rounds. The musical duet Duo Eiffler will entertain the audience on the stage on Marktplatz. Max Bousso and his percussion group will present African beats.

Wendelinusmarkt will open with a short memorial service at 11 a.m. Saturday on Marktplatz to be followed by the blessing of pets.

“If the weather will be fine, we expect about 20,000 visitors on both days,” Felka said.

Also included at Wendelinus market is the annual October fest, which will start tonight in a big beer tent on Marktplatz. A few tickets are still available for the live performance of the Midnight Ladies at 8 p.m. today. Saturday’s show is sold out.

Sunday, free live entertainment will continue with a brass music band at 11 a.m. and the party band Bumsfallera at 2:30 p.m. for more information on October fest, visit www.oktoberfest-ramstein.de.

Additionally, a model train and toy swap meet will take place 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday in the Haus des Buergers.