Schlossseefest: A Family-Friendly Festival with Music, Food, and Amusement Rides

2023-07-30 07:00:00

On Friday, Florian and Joachim Keller still played the flute and clarinet respectively when entering the Festwiesen, on Saturday evening they will be in action at the main cash desk. For the brothers, it goes without saying that they actively support their club, Harmonie Lippertsreute. “It’s fun, you can see the people there,” says Florian Keller. “Everyone who comes is up for it.” In between, her club mate Fabian Meschenmoser drops by: “I’m at the main cash desk and have to draw money from the individual cash registers,” reveals the full-time mayor of Deggenhausertal, who works on a voluntary basis at the weekend.

Florian Keller, Fabian Meschenmoser and Joachim Keller (from left) from the Musikverein Harmonie Lippertsreute do their work enthusiastically. | Image: Miriam Altmann

French fries always work

Equipped with wristbands, visitors flock to the site – many were not deterred by the uncertain weather forecast. At the stand of the Neufrach Music Association, Markus Meier and Sabine Straßer advertise their specialties: “The fries are doing excellently,” he reports. “It’s less busy than it would be if the weather were good,” he admits. “But people are still coming and they’re in a good mood,” he says optimistically.

Markus Meier (right) and Sabine Straßer praise the culinary delights the Musikverein Neufrach has to offer. | Image: Miriam Altmann

Festival for the whole family

The Baier family watching the dance performances on the main stage shows that the Schlossseefest is something for all ages. Six-year-old Charlotte proudly reports that she was previously allowed to steer the bumper car herself. “The cotton candy was the best,” she says.

Martin and Charlotte Baier (from left) met Elena Krause, a family friend, at the party. | Image: Miriam Altmann

Her father Martin, who was born in Mimmenhausen, also likes the festival very much. “I’ve only been back since last year,” he reveals. After working in Frankfurt and Munich, he returned home with his family – the Schlossseefest is of course a must.

With the granddaughter on the ride

There is also a lot of hustle and bustle at the amusement park. After the hype was a little smaller last year, this time there is a lot on offer from the children’s carousel to the Ferris wheel. Thirteen-year-old Myla is just stepping out of the “Steamer,” a wildly spinning ride that spins the occupants around on multiple axes. “It was cool, but wild and very difficult to hold on to,” is her verdict.

13-year-old Myla visits her grandmother in Mimmenhausen. The ride in the steamer in the background was a bit too wild for Martina Endler, but she can laugh again. | Image: Miriam Altmann

There is definitely a recommendation from her, but more for younger people. The reason: “My grandmother rode along in the morning, but she felt sick afterwards.” Martina Endler from Mimmenhausen can already smile again, but preferred to watch when her granddaughter dared another ride in the dark.

Sound fireworks inspire spectators

The visitors gathered on the banks of the castle lake early on to have a good view of the fireworks. For a quarter of an hour, the crowd marvels at the numerous color effects that illuminate the night sky and increase to the accompanying music.

The fireworks at the Schlossseefest Saturday Video: Altmann, Miriam (external)

The first raindrops don’t bother anyone and the applause is great when the last rocket goes out. “It’s a load off my heart at the moment,” reveals Ronny Knepple, spokesman for the organizing committee, immediately afterwards. “It’s a below-average year because of the weather, but we’re happy.”

Thumbs up from Ronny Knepple, spokesman for the organizing committee. | Image: Miriam Altmann

Fireworks always took place

Normally 5,000 to 10,000 visitors come on Fridays, and on Saturdays there are even 10,000 to 20,000 guests. “Today we’re closer to 10,000,” says Knepple, but the festival area still seems very well attended when the partygoers take the stage again.

The party bucks rock the Schlossseefest on Saturday Video: Altmann, Miriam (external)

A minimum of good weather is required for the fireworks, but it has never been canceled in 43 years. “Once the fairground was cleared at 11.30 p.m. for security reasons,” recalls the co-organizer, although one could live with a bit of drizzle. “We couldn’t cancel the festival at all – the people are still sitting there,” he says, looking back on the somewhat rainy but well-attended Friday. The mega garden festival of the Salem music clubs is a fixture in the calendar. “And all that comes now is an encore.”