German-American country festival starts in Grafenwöhr

Starting Friday at the Grafenwöhr military training ground in that Upper Palatinate again German-American folk festival. Up to 100,000 visitors are expected by Sunday. Germans and Americans celebrate their friendship – beer and Bavarian country festival culture meets the “American way of life”.

Country festival under tight security

The festival takes place under strict security measures Instead of. It was only at the end of June that the US Army raised its security level for military installations across Europe to the second highest level, “Charlie”. That has not been the case for many years. Some entrances to the barracks as well as recreational facilities and restaurants on the military training ground were closed. This level of security is declared when there are intelligence indications that terrorist attacks are likely.

A few days later, normalcy returned and the security level was lowered again. Nevertheless, there are always military bases A possible target of espionage.

Ukrainian soldiers train in a nearby camp

The festival takes place at the military training area in Camp Algiers so it is close to a camp where Ukrainian soldiers live in isolation for training with the US Army. From 2022 The US Army trains Ukrainian soldiers on many different weapons systemseach in training sessions lasting a few weeks.

Here’s how to get there by car and bus

Anyone who wants to drive to the folk festival at the military training ground can only use gate 6 at the starting point to enter. The only exit is via gate 4 on the B299 near Tanzfleck. Several shuttle buses run from the city area to the festival site. For four euros per person, you can get on at various stops in Grafenwöhr. The shuttle buses run every 30 minutes on all three days between 10:30am and 1am.

Security checks at bus stops and entrances

Security checks will be carried out both at the bus stops and at the entrance to the festival site. Backpacks, large bags and purses are not allowed to the festival. All visitors must have an ID card with them.

Prime Minister Söder at the opening

The German-American country festival will be opened at 11 am by Prime Minister Markus Söder and the head of State Chancellor Florian Herrmann (both CSU). At the opening, senior US military personnel and Mayor Edgar Knobloch (CSU) grabbed a keg of beer in the beer tent on Friday.

Country music and German-American food

Brass bands play in the Bavarian beer tent until Sunday and the US festival tent features country music, rock’n’roll, show dancing and party music. “US Army Europe Africa Military Band” will also make guest appearances. An amusement park surrounds the festival tents with rides, souvenirs and gift stands. In terms of food, the entire spectrum of both cultures is included.

Display of weapons and equipment with helicopters and tanks

The US Army and the Bundeswehr are also offering a joint display of weapons and equipment. Visitors can climb onto helicopters, tanks and other military vehicles. Military broadcaster AFN will be broadcasting live from the festival grounds and Nuremberg’s Albrecht Dürer Airport will also be represented with a stand for the first time.

The US election campaign is no different

The current US election campaign plays no part in the German-American folk festival. The military training area and all military facilities are neutral; US soldiers are not allowed to express themselves politically.