Freimarktumzug (Free Market Parade)

Freimarkt is here!

Freimarkt is essentially the 2-week German version of Stampede Midway, except that it is quite a bit older; it's been around since 1035 (the oldest in northern Germany).

We've been told that Freimarkt is really it's own season here (thanks, Dennis). We are still making up our mind on Freimarkt itself but, as a season, at least it hasn't been too cold or too rainy.

The Freimarktumzug (parade) was held last weekend so we invited some friends, bundled up the kids and headed down. And it was looooooooooong.

With 148 entries, we only lasted until about number 90 (which had already been an hour and a half). Even the kids were tired of catching candy by that point; probably partly because their bags were getting full and so were the back up stashes - the parents' pockets.

Not the most flattering photo of us all - but we are all accounted for (Milayla is warm and cozy in the wrap....the white spot...)

There weren't a lot of floats in the parade but rather large, decorated, flatbed trucks, blasting music and full of people in various costumes tossing candy (that stuff kind of hurts when you get smacked in the head). There were also plenty of marching bands - they were really, quite good. Some entries were better than others though we were all rather partial to the marching bands. Atticus did get pretty excited about the entry that gave him a sausage though. Yes, there was an entry handing out Wurst. We do live in Germany after all...

Despite the parade being on the long side, we had gorgeous weather and great company so we certainly cannot complain. We were really glad to have had the Lorenz family join us for the outing.

Taking a photo looking into the sun may not have been the best idea....but at least we are all there, squinty-eyed and all!

In the afternoon we ventured with the kids to check out Freimarkt, but more on that later (with pictures!)