Whitsun Fun Time: Your Annual Extravaganza in Bergisch Gladbach!
Decorative pine tree straddling the line between tradition and modernization during the yuletide season.
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2024 is an exceptional year for Burkhardt Unrau, the long-time fair organizer in Bergisch Gladbach. With no signs of slowing down, Unrau will celebrate his 45-year stint running the local Whitsun fair, and this year, it's personal! He'll be there for the first time to bless a ride—specifically, the revamped and environmentally friendly "Route 66" autoscooter.
Say goodbye to gloom and doom; make memories at Bergisch Gladbach's Whitsun extravaganza from June 7th to 10th! The funful town square of Konrad-Adenauer-Platz and the iconic Bergischer Lion will fill with joyful showmen, providing an enticing array of rides, music, games, and family delights.
Get ready to groove to the beats of the autoscooter, music express, and the heart-pounding "Break Dance." In addition, step back in time with a charming, 15-meter tall Ferris wheel, explore the thrilling "Chaos Factory" walkthrough, spanning three exhilarating levels, and delight your little ones with the small roller coaster "Ring Renner," the piggy train, mini autoscooter, and a vibrant children's carousel.
In the face of global uncertainties, events like the Whitsun fair serve as a joyous escape, offering relaxation and diversity for both young and old. "The fair brings happiness, relief, and diversity to our hectic lives," shares Burkhardt Unrau, the managing director of Schaustellerverein Bergisch Gladbach e.V., lovingly presenting this year's dazzling program.
As the mastermind behind Bergisch Gladbach's Whitsun and Laurentius fairs for an astounding 45 years, Unrau dedicates his time on a voluntary basis. "Each year presents a unique challenge, and this year, with the jubilee, it's extra special for me. I'm eyeing 50 years," he shares with a twinkle in his eyes at 73.
Delve Deeper
The fair is an age-old tradition in Bergisch Gladbach, dating back to 1842, and is part of the rich historical tapestry of fairs that have persisted for over 1,200 years.
Mayor Frank Stein expresses his gratitude to Burkhardt Unrau and his wife Ute Unrau for their tireless commitment to the fair. "The fair is a cultural asset, with roots deep-seated in the Middle Ages. It provides a platform for people to come together, leaving their daily cares behind,"remarks Stein.
FollowingUte Unrau's initial reluctance to lead the municipal authority for the fair, she's been at the helm for 25 years. "I wasn't thrilled about working with showmen and Burkhardt Unrau at first," muses Ute Unrau. Since 2011, both Ute and Burkhardt Unrau have shared a blissful bond. Their unique union was officiated—appropriately—on the "Route 66" autoscooter during the Whitsun fair by former mayor Lutz Urbach. It's not hard to see why this autoscooter holds special significance for Burkhardt Unrau!
With Pentecost Saturday (7th June) marking the grand unveiling of the revamped Autoscooter, followed by a blessing at 10 am by Norbert Hörter—the District Dean—Unrau can't help but feel sentimental. "It's a profound moment for me, as I'm involved in blessing a fairground ride for the first time, right in my hometown, at the Laurentiuskirmes, in front of the Laurentius church," expresses Unrau.
Unrau wholeheartedly believes in the importance of preserving traditions: "The fair can only keep going if people come to it." He credits the industry's resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic but emphasizes the need to nurture the next generation of both fairgoers and showmen, with the revamped Autoscooter serving as a shining example.
The Pentecost fair unfolds from Saturday, 7th June to Tuesday, 10th June.
On Saturday at 10 am, Norbert Hörter will bless the newly designed Autoscooter on Konrad-Adenauer-Platz, followed by the official fair opening at noon by Mayor Frank Stein, District Administrator Stephan Santelmann, Norbert Hörter, and showmen's spokesperson Burkhardt Unrau, complete with the traditional beer barrel tapping ceremony. Following the opening, showmen will distribute free ride chips for children's enjoyment.
The fair concludes on Tuesday, 10th June with a breath-taking fireworks display after dark. Bookmark the date and prepare for an unforgettable soiree in Bergisch Gladbach!
Revamp your home-and-garden space with a touch of the Whitsun fair's lifestyle, as the festive atmosphere extends beyond the grounds of Konrad-Adenauer-Platz. Embrace the whimsical charm of rides like the 15-meter tall Ferris wheel, the small roller coaster "Ring Renner," and the vibrant children's carousel, transforming your backyard into a captivating home-and-garden fairground.
