Many fans of the Schongau summer could hardly wait for the historic market to finally take place again in August (5th to 15th).
But after the pandemic is not before the pandemic, as store manager Manfred Wodarczyk explains.
Above all, for the first time in its 20th anniversary, admission will be charged.
Schongau – First of all, the good news: The historic market can take place again.
For more than two years, those responsible for the Schongauer Sommer association, in principle in the personal union of Manfred Wodarczyk, had planned and calculated, but the conditions and the pandemic simply did not allow it.
Market can take place without restrictions this time
Now everything looks great: "The Oktoberfest and the Oberammergau Passion can take place in any form," the Hohenfurcher enumerates.
He doesn't know what could speak against it, especially since everything takes place outside anyway.
And even the umbrellas for gastronomy have no side walls, so there is always sufficient ventilation.
The program for the eleven days from Friday, August 5th to Monday, August 15th has long been in place.
There are two stages again, one of which is used by street musicians, including "Lonesome Artisans" Attila.
Of course, "The Sandsacks" should not be missing on the big stage.
Also present: Firebirds, Bernstyn and World Warriors.
There are also many other spectacles and wonders, including the popular Fakir Lubo with his fire show.
The children are also thought of in everything.
They can even become active themselves in the tightrope walk theater and - dressed up appropriately - practice the tightrope walker's technique under supervision.
Last but not least, the gymnastics department of SC Huglfing is a guest again.
After the pandemic is not before the pandemic
What Wodarczyk regrets: After the pandemic, some jugglers and groups simply no longer existed, some performers and fierants had to look for other jobs or income opportunities.
Others came for that.
"It's a mixture of the tried and tested and the new," says the head of the Schongau Summer in one sentence about the program.
14 stalls in the gastro area, 20 jugglers and performers, 60 stalls from basket weavers to glassblowers as well as a larger camp life in the rear area of the historic market with at least ten tents - there is something on offer.
"The Oooooh effect for visitors is important to me," says the organizer.
The amazement, the surprise.
But there is also bad news: "I can no longer finance it." As Wodarczyk explains, the board of directors did not take the decision lightly and did the math for a long time.
For the very first time in the 20th anniversary of the Schongau Summer, the market will now cost admission, "otherwise the cost increases would no longer be covered." Around 125,000 euros have to be paid, and more is being asked for everywhere, electricity, water, personnel costs for the security service , drinks – the city also demands more.
System for entry is kept as simple as possible
The entry system has been kept as simple as possible: a day entry costs 5 euros, a season ticket 15 euros – you get a fabric wristband that is valid for the entire time.
Everyone only has to pay from the age of 16, children are always free.
And if you only want to enjoy lunch or a drink in a nice market atmosphere on weekdays, you can do so without paying any extra.
Because the gastro area is open from Friday, August 5th to Friday, August 12th, between 11:30 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. without admission.
You only have to pay on weekends, public holidays and weekdays after lunchtime.
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He is looking forward to the Schongau summer: organizer Manfred Wodarczyk.
© Hans-Helmut Herold
"We made a cost statement, it's not a rip-off," emphasizes Wodarczyk.
The fans of the historical market are accommodated with the season ticket, "that's not even 1.50 euros per day." When it comes to drinks, they want to try to keep the prices of 2019, but Wodarczyk can't promise that yet.
The price of beer has already risen by nine percent since January this year.
Around 45 percent of the costs are for the artists, the showmen, the demonstrating crafts.
The entrance fee is calculated so that the population comes.
He doesn't want to get too involved in discussions on this topic anyway.
After all, the market lasted eleven days, with an average of 50,000 to 60,000 visitors so far.
"And we've made an impression looking back over the past 20 years."
The historical market at the Festplatz is open daily from 5 to 15 August from 12 noon to midnight.
The season tickets for the Schongau summer are available in advance in the book gallery.
An online pre-sale is currently being worked on.
The
detailed program is available here
.
By the way:
Everything from the region is now also available in our regular Schongau newsletter.