Lifestyles: Kaiserslautern holds May carnival Published June 1, 2011 By Petra Lessoning 86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany -- Kaiserslautern will hold its traditional "Maikerwe," or May carnival through June 6 on the Messeplatz fairgrounds. More than 140 ride owners and vendors will be available for 11 days to offer their attractions, merchandise and food specialties. The biggest folks fest of the Westpfalz officially will open with tapping the first keg of beer at 6 p.m. today in the bistro tent. As soon as it gets dark, a firework will be lit. The carnival will have a variety of rides for adults and children. The XXL-Swing with a flying altitude of 45 meters is known to be the biggest swing of the world. Fun in rotating gondolas will be provided by a ride called "Take Off." Another one called "Sky-Flyer" will offer loopings, and "Musik Express" and "Breakdance" will cause a tickling in the stomach. "Ommi" will confuse the senses, and the "Wild Mouse" will take the whole family on a rollercoaster trip. The "Ghost Snake" will give people the creeps on four levels, and "Hollywood Dreamland" will take visitors through fun obstacles. The giant Ferris wheel, which is the token of every folks fest, will provide a fascinating view over Kaiserslautern. It is 50 meters high and known as one of the nicest giant Ferris wheels. Children will have fun with skills games, at the pony hippodrome and on various merry-go-rounds. Vendors selling clothes, curtains, jewelry, household items, spices and art and craft items will provide shopping fun until late at night in the "shopping street." Beer gardens, the chicken tent, bistros and tents will be available to take care of hungry and thirsty visitors. Palatinate and international culinary specialties such as crispy chicken, ham hocks, crepes, pizza and fish will be served at the food booths. Wednesday will be family day with reduced prices and special offers until 7 p.m. The carnival will close out with a "Thank you" fireworks display sponsored by ride owners and vendors around 10 p.m. June 6. The rides are scheduled to be open from 2 p.m. to midnight each day, and until 1 p.m. the night from Saturday to Sunday. Some food booths and vendors will open at 11 a.m.