Due to the corona pandemic, the 17th Entlebuch alpine descent will be canceled in September 2020. The elderly families are moving into the valley alone this time.
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(se) In recent years, the alpine descent in Schüpfheim has become a real folk festival: 250 colorfully decorated animals, seven alpine families, folklore performances, a specialty market, pizzerias and more than 10,000 spectators. However, due to the current corona situation, the Entlebucher Alpabfahrt Schüpfheim association decided not to hold the event this year. As OC President Bruno Hafner reports, this is the first time in the history of the event.
Impressions from the 16th Entlebuch alpine run. It recorded a visitor record of over 13,000 people.
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The organizing committee wants to prevent a “downhill run light”. A reduced variant in compliance with protective measures is not feasible and would change the character of the event significantly. It is also questionable whether the visitors would dare to attend such a major event, said Hafner in an interview with our newspaper. As can be seen in the media release, an implementation would also mean an economic risk for the association and the operators of a market stall or pub.
This year, the seven Alpine families will therefore return individually to their home businesses – the date is up to them. This means that an important and valued part of Alpine summer is no longer just for the elderly families. Part of the sales and thus a large added value for the region would also be lost for the regional market operators. Hafner emphasizes how important it is now to support the Entlebuch alpine families with the purchase of alpine cheese and regional products.
Nevertheless, the OC President looks to the future with confidence: “It is difficult for us to assume that we will be able to carry out the Entlebuch downhill run on September 25, 2021 as usual.” Even if Hafner regrets the cancellation of the festival in this “special year”, he is looking forward to the next year and a large number of visitors.
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