Hessentag Kickstarts with Big Crowds - Rhine Praises Volunteers
Rhine Festival draws large crowd - gratitude extended to volunteers - Enthusiastic crowds cheer for Hessentag - Rhine appreciates dedicated volunteers
Hey there! Let's get right into it.
The Hessentag in Bad Vilbel kicked off this weekend under beautiful skies and a steady crowd of visitors. Organizers of the Hessian festival told the German Press Agency that they expected thousands upon thousands of attendees throughout the day, and it seems they weren't wrong. One spokesperson said, "It's packed. Absolutely packed."
The atmosphere was electric. But as the day went on, trouble brewed. A demonstration against the military presence at the festival tried to storm the military tent, but they didn't stand a chance against the troops. The troubled demonstration, dubbed "For a Hessentag Without Military!", was supported by the Left Party in Hesse and organized by the Bündnis Friedlicher Hessentag. At its peak, around 550 folks took part.
On the brighter side, Saturday was all about honoring the volunteers. Hessian Minister President Boris Rhein and Interior Minister Roman Poseck (both CDU) took turns thanking the approximately 80,000 voluntary helpers in the fire and disaster protection services in Hesse.
Rhein waxed poetic, saying, "They're always on call, ready to drop everything and dive headfirst into danger to help others. Whether it's fires, floods, or medical emergencies, these brave men and women put others before themselves. That's priceless."
Poseck got emotional, too. "Volunteers in Hesse never falter—they're rock-solid. No matter what challenges come their way—forest fires, heavy rain, power outages—they rise to the occasion. That's why a strong fire and disaster protection is so vital for our safety."
Poseck also paid a visit to the Hessentag watch and command post, where he checked out the Hessentag app developed for the festival. Apparently, the police have already had good experiences with a deployment app on their service phones during the European Championship 2024. "The app allows the deployed forces to receive all deployment documents and information, as well as maps, right on their service phones," Poseck explained. "It simplifies their work and streamlines the police processes."
On Saturday night, rapper Ski Aggu hit the stage. Sunday will see the swearing-in ceremony for police recruits during the "Day of the Police." Due to a severe weather warning, the event was moved from the Stadtwerke-Arena to the VILCO Stadthalle Bad Vilbel. In the evening, Swedish rock band Mando Diao will perform as well.
According to estimates, around 750,000 visitors will pass through Bad Vilbel by the end of the Hessentag on June 22nd. That's significantly more than last year's Hessentag in Fritzlar, which drew around 519,000 visitors. There are over 1,600 events planned, including concerts by internationally famous bands, theater, comedy, sports events, parties, and interactive activities by clubs and groups.
Insights for Volunteers and Hessentag
Volunteers in fire and disaster protection services play an essential role in rural areas across Germany, including Hesse. During emergency responses, they often assist, work in community outreach, and support local fire departments. Such selfless contributions are especially valuable in emergency situations.
At events like Hessentag, volunteers are recognized and appreciated for their invaluable service. Recognition can take various forms, including awards, certificates, and public acknowledgments. Honoring volunteers can raise awareness of their roles and encourage others to get involved. For specific details about volunteer recognition during Hessentag, reach out to local organizations or government agencies involved in the event.
In the spirit of acknowledging the crucial contributions of volunteers, perhaps a community policy could be developed to expand the appreciation for volunteers in events like Hessentag, offering not only recognition but also employment opportunities within the festival's organization for future years.
Furthermore, it's essential to remember the value of teamwork and camaraderie, especially in sports like hockey, which thrive on the collective effort of its players. beginning with the spirit of sportsmanship and inclusion demonstrated by volunteers at events such as Hessentag, perhaps a workforce diversity policy can be implemented in the future, promoting the involvement of volunteers from various backgrounds, including sports enthusiasts, to create a more inclusive and well-rounded festival environment.
