Even before Eppelborn's mayor Andreas Feld tapped the first barrel last Saturday afternoon in truly splendid weather, the children's carousels were already spinning, and ice cream and popcorn were as popular as the traditional grilled sausage.
The local mayor Berthold Schmitt, better known during the Pentecost days as the "Kirmesvater" (Fair Father), was beaming in competition with the sun. After two years of corona-enforced break, he explained that he was immensely pleased that rides and booths had finally returned to the festival grounds at the goods station. With 65 exhibitors, Schmitt emphasized, this year's Eppelborn Pentecost fair is especially attractive. Additionally, he revealed that the Saarbrücken May festival had only 45 permits issued. The showmen who came to Eppelborn all had four days without reason to complain. The fairground was always well attended, and with prices "as before corona," the rides were always well frequented.
The Eppelborn Pentecost fair, which has a history of more than 700 years and has been celebrated in May and finally at Pentecost for around 100 years, was opened with a keg tapping in front of the ride attraction "Beach Polyp". Numerous guests had gathered here, including Bundestag member Nadine Schön, state parliament member Alwin Theobald, former State Secretary Gaby Schäfer, District Administrator Sören Meng, the First District Deputy Daniela Feld, municipal and local council members, local mayors, and numerous club representatives.
The welcome addresses to the many guests were delivered by Mayor Andreas Feld, who thanked the fair's organizer for his tireless commitment to the Eppelborn Pentecost fair, as well as Berthold Schmitt and Thomas Sonnier, chairman of the Saarland Showmen’s Association. For all guests at the opening, there was first of all a lot to hear – because what would a Pentecost fair be without the cannon blasts of the shooters' club "Hubertus" Eppelborn. With a few hearty strikes by the mayor, the first cool beer flowed from the tap without any loss.
Afterwards, the traditional tour of the fairground took place. There, thrilling rides on the attractions as well as leisurely rounds on the children's carousels invited visitors. The bumper cars were also a must – here, as on the entire fairground, there was a great crowd.
Except for a few showers, the weather cooperated during this year's Whitsun fair. It had a lot to offer on all four days. Because, as is traditional, alongside the fairground with the showmen's businesses, Berthold Schmitt has been providing a varied supporting program for many years.
After the church service on Whit Monday, the event continued with a concert by the Eppelborn Instrumental Association at the Eppelborn marketplace. Traditionally, friends who do not see each other throughout the year gather here – after two years of Corona, the joy was immense for many.
Thanks to the Eppelborn Pentecost Fair, there is an additional public holiday in the municipality: Whit Tuesday. Early in the morning, the first visitors were already strolling through the also traditional fair. Many spectators did not miss the 51st Piglet Parade of the “Prümburger Bürgerclub” in the morning. On a cart, the piglet was pulled through the village – led by the ABC graduates of the St. Josef Children’s House in Eppelborn. The parade was musically accompanied by the Eppelborn Instrumental Association. There was much applause for music and singing in front of the St. Josef nursing home. The parade was warmly welcomed by the residents with enthusiastic applause. The participants finally strengthened themselves with a joint fair meal at the signal box before the family day with reduced prices attracted visitors in the afternoon. The Eppelborn Pentecost Fair ended in style with a beautiful fireworks display. Then it was time for the fair’s organizer to say goodbye until next year. Hopefully, it will then be said again: “Who’s got the fair? Uus!”
