Was ist los in Franken? Sept. 15, 2021

ANSBACH, Germany (Sept. 15, 2021)) — “Was ist los in Franken?” details off-post community events and activities occurring throughout the Franconian region.

Kirchweih in Herrieden

Because of the ongoing pandemic, the city of Herrieden has decided to offer a different program than the usual fest activities for their annual Kirchweih fest. Saturday, Sept. 18, from 4 – 10 p.m. and Sunday, Sept. 19, from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., food stands, a carousel and other entertainment will open throughout the downtown area; stores will open for shoppers on Sunday between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. A special hiking event is scheduled for Sunday morning, and “soccer darts” is offered in the Schlossgarten from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Volksmarch hike in Herrieden

The town of Herrieden is hosting a Wandertag – hiking day – as part of their Kirchweih festivities on Sunday, Sept. 19.

Hikers have a choice of 7.5 k or 24 k distances. Starting point and registration is the Herrieden Festplatz just outside the city walls near the Storchenturm (stork tower). The 7.5 k distance can be started between 8 and 10 a.m., the longer distance must be started by 9 a.m.

There will be checkpoints along the way to get the registration cards stamped, as well as water points, snack stations and bathrooms.

Start and finish will be manned until 4 p.m. Current Covid-19 rules apply. All hiking trails are clearly marked. U.S. Americans participate free of charge as a symbol of the partnership between the U.S. Army in Ansbach and the city of Herrieden.

Wandertage in Germany are popular especially with families; the organizers take care of the trail marking, insurance and supplies along the way, while the participants can enjoy a day of fresh air out in the country.

Fruit trees ready for harvest

The Ansbach county office has announced that fruit trees adorned with a yellow ribbon along county roads are available for free picking for anybody. Trees may be harvested by hand, with a fruit picker or by gentle shaking. Trees may not be cut, damaged or climbed on (no ladders).  Park at an appropriate safe spot and wear an orange warning vest.

Marked trees can be found along AN 4 between Brunst and Erlbach, AN 7 between Windelsbach and Hornau, AN 8 between Linden and Windelsbach, AN 9 near Grüb and in Neubronn; also along AN 12 in Sachsen bei Ansbach, AN 21 between Sondernohe and Virnsberg, and between Virnsberg and Flachslanden. Fruit for harvest is also available on three meadows near Brünst, along AN 22 in Ketteldorf and AN 34 between Schwand and Hetzweiler.

Other communities also offer free fruit for harvest, just be sure to look for the yellow ribbon; all others are private property and may not be harvested.

Schummeltag “Street Food Festival”

The city of Dinkelsbühl is hosting a street food festival called “Schummeltag” (cheat day) with food trucks and booths, live music and DJs at the Schwedenwiese this weekend, Sept. 17-19. Admission fee is €2/age 14 and above. Find out more at https://www.schummeltag-streetfood.de

Picturesque: Rothenburg as landscape garden

The private gardens of Rothenburg’s old city join the castle gardens and the An der Eich gardens to turn Rothenburg itself into a landscape garden. Special exhibitions in the Medieval Crime and Justice Museum and Rothenburg Museum will round off the culturally themed year. Learn everything about “Picturesque – Rothenburg as landscape garden”.

What? At the close of the nineteenth century, the natural topography and morphology of Rothenburg met all the criteria of picturesque. The city was viewed as such by English artists (architects and painters) and went beyond the picturesque to form a bridge into the modern age. In the second half of the nineteenth century, Rothenburg ob der Tauber was once again discovered as a medieval treasure trove where time had stood still. “An encounter with Rothenburg – art and artists between 1830 – 1960” (exhibition starts in May 2022) displays the works of British painters such as Elias Bancroft. “Pittoresk! Image and appropriation” in the Rothenburg Museum concerns the change in perception of Rothenburg. “Rothenburg in London” in Rothenburg Museum will show the influence of the architecture of Rothenburg ob der Tauber on the planning of Hampstead Garden Suburb in London.

To find out more, visit https://www.rothenburg-tourismus.de/en/veranstaltungen/picturesque-rothenburg-as-landscape-garden/ or download the brochure here: https://www.rothenburg-tourismus.de/en/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/RTS_BR_Picturesque_eng_WEB.pdf

The information on local host nation events is provided through the auspices of the USAG Ansbach Public Affairs Office (PAO). All details provided are for informational purposes only and are a representation of typical events conducted in the local community. The PAO grants no element of exclusivity to any outside agency or business and any reference to commercial or retail activities implies no endorsement or recommendation by the U. S. Army or its agencies. Participation in any event or activity described herein is strictly voluntary and should be done so only after careful advisement and consideration of the safety and security environment at each specific location.