Lifestyles: May carnival starts today in Kaiserslautern

  • Published
  • By Petra Lessoing
  • Ramstein Public Affairs
RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany --  The Kaiserslautern May carnival called "Maikerwe" starts today on the Messeplatz fairgrounds.

For a total of 11 days, through June 7, more than 140 ride owners and vendors offer their attractions, merchandise and food specialties in the giant "amusement city." Maikerwe is known as the biggest folks fest of the Westpfalz. It officially opens with tapping the first keg of beer at 6 p.m. today on the patio of the bistro tent.

The carnival offers a variety of rides for adults and children.

"A novelty is a speedy tower slide called Toboggan that requires some skill from visitors," said market master Gerhard Klein. Turning, swinging and flying is guaranteed on the rides called "Shake," "Break Dance" and "Mega G4."

"People can enjoy a nostalgic ride on a traditional chairoplane and have adventurous fun in a ride called Pirates Adventure," said Mr. Klein. A special racetrack is available for those wanting to test their racing skills.

Children can have fun with skills games, pony-riding or taking rides in miniscooters and merry-go-rounds.

Beer gardens, the chicken tent, bistros and tents lure hungry and thirsty visitors. Palatinate and international culinary specialties such as crispy chicken, ham hocks, crepes, pizza and fish are also available at the food booths.

The "shopping street" provides shopping fun until late at night. Vendors sell a variety of merchandise to include clothes, household items, leather goods, jewelry, spices, arts and crafts items.

Family Day with reduced prices and special offers until 7 p.m. is scheduled for Wednesday. American carnival-goers can enjoy a Dollar Day June 4.

"American customers can pay in their own currency and most ride owners are willing to trade one to one," said Mr. Klein.

The carnival closes out with a fireworks display around 10 p.m. June 7.

The rides are open 2 to 11 p.m. each day, and until midnight Saturdays. Some food booths and vendors open at 11 a.m.