Press release / Event announcement
Picnic in the park: The European Cultural Park embraces a tradition with its extensive park grounds that is celebrated on the American Independence Day, the "4th of July" in the USA. The initiative was given by the German-American Institute (DAI) Saarland, the Saarpfalz district, and tour guide Klaus Friedrich. On July 4th, the United States celebrates the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence – its birthday, so to speak. Of decisive importance here is the end of the Battle of Yorktown in Virginia, the partner city of Zweibrücken, not far from Henrico County in Virginia, the partner district of the Saarpfalz district. The independence of the 13 colonies was achieved with the involvement of soldiers from the Saarpfalz region – the "Régiment Royal Deux-Ponts." During the War of Independence, among others, Palatine and Saarpfalz as well as French-American troops secured victory at Redoubt No. 9.
Under the motto „4th of July“, visitors can look forward to a varied day: From 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., the picnic meadows in the courtyard area of the Roman villa invite families for a Sunday outing. The day begins musically at 11 a.m. in the tavern with Hans Bollinger, Thomas Doll, and Christoph Kleuser performing their musical matinee „Andre, die das Land so sehr nicht liebten“ featuring songs about the emigration movement to the „New World.“ Starting at 2 p.m., the band „Times and Tales“ provides the perfect open-air soundtrack. At 3:30 p.m., six Red Falcons cheerleaders from TUS Rimschweiler will showcase the competitive sport originating from the USA with jumps, lifts, and walkarounds, complete with traditional pom-poms. To further bring the American spirit into the historic setting, the tavern will offer a special menu evoking a summery picnic atmosphere. For those interested, an English-language guided tour (lasting 1.5 hours) will begin at 2 p.m. at the information center „Maison Jean Schaub,“ followed by an introductory tour in German (lasting about 1 hour) at 2:30 p.m. both ending at the tavern. Fascinating insights into life during Roman times will be provided by the Roman group Legio XIIII Gemina, which will set up camp in the picnic meadows.
Admission to the event, which combines history, culture, and entertainment, is free. The event, in cooperation with the German-American Institute Saarland, is financially supported by the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Embassy. For more information, visit: www.europaeischer-kulturpark.de, facebook: Europaeischer.Kulturpark, or call: 06843/9002-11. Subject to change.
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Photo: Stephan Dinges
Caption: The parking area with a view of the gatehouse.
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