More Fests from Germany

[A Hay]

Continuing on the Fest season in Germany.

Last weekend a local town, Kemnath, celebrated its 1000th anniversary since it was founded. For an American, the thought of people living in the same area for that long is amazing. We went and had a good couple of hours walkng through the town and seeing the vendors and tasting the food. Forgot to bring the camera and I wasn't kilted either.

Two weeks ago, another town, Nabburg, had their annual Middle Ages festival and market. We went to that also and I was kilted.


Kilt is Hay Ancient, in PV. Belt by Cavscout, sporran and belt pouch are my work and the sgian dubh is from our own Panache.

The old town sets on a high hill above a small river. It is completely walled and the gates have been restored. It was filled with stalls of vendors and food/drink establishments. By mid-Sunday it was packed with people. There is a lot of interest in Falconry over here, and it is common to see the birds at these middle ages fests.





That's it for now. Just though some of you who have been over here before would enjoy seeing it again.

The next big Scottish Games will be near Leipzig the third weekend in September. It will decide the Season Winner for the Bagpipe Association of Germany competitions which have been going on all summer. My wife and I will be there for sure.

Tom

[Drillagent]

It's been a long time since I went to a fest. Nothing like a winter fest with a steak and brochen in one hand and a nice warm gluhwein in the other. Great pics!

[Drillagent]

By the way, do you live in Graf? And if you do, do you work on post?

[A Hay]

Drillagent

By the way, do you live in Graf? And if you do, do you work on post?

I'm a civilian employee of the Army and I work on Grafenwoehr Post. I live in the Town of Mantel, east of Post. If you were in Graf or Vilseck in the past 20 years, I was probably around.

If you were here more than 3 years ago, you will hardly recognize the place.

Tom

[Drillagent]

I'll be in Graf the last two weeks of August. Email me your work number and maybe we can get together. Even if it's just for a handshake and a photo. You know, I wasn't going to bring my kilt so I wouldn't stand out. Now maybe I have a reason to bring it after all. See ya soon.

[Freelancer]

Great pictures! Beautiful town. I've been to Weurzburg, my Mother's home town, another beautiful town. How do the locals react to a kilted man?

[A Hay]

Great pictures! Beautiful town. I've been to Weurzburg, my Mother's home town, another beautiful town. How do the locals react to a kilted man?

Surprised at first, but overwhelmingly positive. I've had many friendly conversations that started with questions about the kilt. It helps that I can usually speak enough German to understand and answer their questions.

I generally wear it at festivals or local events where the crowds are mixed families. I'm not one for late night pub crawling, so I avoid the young crowds that could be overindulged in alcohol.

Wuerzburg is indeed a beautiful City. Been there several times.

Tom

[Finn]

I was at Graf in '85 or 6. Cold.
Beautiful pictures! Thanks!

[Darkislander]

You look very smart and the photos are nice.