Due, among other things, to the corona pandemic, the traditional Ried city ball in 2020, 2021 and 2023 was canceled. Next Saturday the ball in the Jahnturnhalle will celebrate a “comeback” and return – at least spatially – to the beginnings under the motto “The show must go on”. “The response to the ball is excellent,” says Philipp Roitinger. The 39-year-old is currently President of Round Table 31 Ried. The club, founded in 1983, is organizing the Rieder Stadtball for the 27th time this year. The net proceeds are used to help families in the region quickly and unbureaucratically. Roitinger expects around 1,600 visitors on Saturday evening.
OÖN: Until 2009 the ball took place in the Jahnturnhalle, then it moved to the exhibition hall. Now we are returning to the old place of work. What were the reasons for this?
Philipp Roitinger: It was a very conscious and well-considered step. After the last city ball took place four years ago, we at Round Table Ried asked ourselves whether and in what form we would hold the ball once more. There was also talk regarding returning to the old location. The location is compact and was recently completely renovated, and we also have to rent less in terms of infrastructure. There is also a very well-functioning restaurant. The feedback regarding this decision was very, very positive, so the anticipation of a special ball evening is huge.
In January 2023 there were no longer any Corona requirements. However, the ball didn’t take place.
The situation wasn’t so easy following three years without any real planning security. At that time we weren’t 100 percent sure whether we might motivate sponsors and audiences to attend the city ball once more. We, the members of Rund Table Ried, have often been asked regarding the future of the city ball. It was therefore clear to us that we would continue and revive the ball once more this year under the motto “The Show must go on”. We noticed in the club that the cohesion has become even better as a result of this large, joint project. We want to usher in a new era of the popular and traditional Ried city ball.
What are your memories of your first city ball?
I think I was 16 years old and it was a big highlight for me. The city ball was and is an event that people look forward to and that is talked regarding in Ried and the surrounding area. We didn’t want to let this “brand” die, so we’re reviving the city ball and continuing an era.
How much work is organizing what is probably the largest charity ball in Upper Austria?
First and foremost, the ball committee, consisting of nine people under the leadership of Johann Gattermaier, should be highlighted here because the work is great. The effort is very large and preparations began months ago. It’s still time to get down to business before the ball opens on Saturday at 7:31 p.m.
What can the ball guests look forward to?
Here’s to a great ambience with a new concept at a well-known place of work. There will be three stages. The main stage with the ‘Royal Sound Big Band’ is located on the dance floor. There is a women’s donation for the female guests, and there will be a champagne and beer reception from 7:31 p.m. to 8:31 p.m. The ball will be opened in the traditional manner by the Hippmann dance school and the opening waltz through Round Table 31 Ried. There is also a photo box, a roulette table with prizes and of course the popular ice cream buffet with a surprise at midnight should not be missed.
Video interview with Philipp Roitinger
How many guests are you expecting on Saturday evening?
The capacity is designed for up to 1,800 visitors. The 70 tables were sold out in just a few days. However, there are enough bar tables and other seating options for all visitors. I expect that we will be able to welcome at least 1,600 guests.
What exactly does Round Table 31 Ried do?
We are a service club consisting of men up to 40 years old. We currently have 30 members, making us one of the largest round table clubs in Upper Austria. Our job is primarily to generate donations for charitable purposes and to implement charity projects. Round Table Ried donates an average of around 25,000 euros to families and children in the region. Above all, we want to help quickly and unbureaucratically. The net proceeds from the city ball are also donated to people who are not doing so well.
Further information and online maps are available online at www.rieder-stadtball.at – a ticket for the ball on Saturday, January 13th costs 27 euros in advance and 31 euros at the box office. Doors open at 7:31 p.m. and the opening opens an hour later.
Author
Thomas Streif
Innviertel editorial team
Thomas Streif
