They are tired fairgrounds but happy fairgrounds who arrive at the Metz Expo fairground. After two years of absence, the May Fair is making a comeback from May 7 to 29.
A large bric-a-brac of trucks, caravans and rides is unfolding. And the least we can say is that the 500 showmen have their work cut out for them to set up the 180 “trades”, as they say in the jargon, before the opening on Saturday. Hear: rides, shops and restaurants.
“I just went 48 hours without sleep, from Sunday morning to Monday evening. We had to dismantle our restaurant, Oncle Sam, from the Nancy fair and then come to Metz to start the installation. In addition, we finished late…”, says Alexandre, in the middle of work.
After GL Events, the City of Metz is taking over the torch of the organization of the fair this year. Tracing locations and setting up rides is complex, but so is pre-arrangement.
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“For two or three months, two City officials have been working full time on it. You have to manage the water and electricity supply, the plumbing, etc.,” explains Jean-Marie Nicolas, deputy mayor of Metz in charge of organizing fairs and markets. “We rent a surface to the showmen, we have helped them a lot financially. It was not easy for them after the health crisis. »
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Tedious work
Then there is everything that we don’t see, that we don’t know, that we don’t think about when, stars in our eyes, we scream loudly in Break Dancing. Handling, for example, is not always a long calm river… “I have two rides: the Lion King and the little train. I injured myself during the dismantling in Nancy so luckily I can count on my guys! says David, a showman for four generations.
Aurélie sets up her duck fishing stand. During the sorting of toys, she confides that she no longer offers goldfish as prizes. “It was sad, some parents who didn’t want one found themselves forced to say no to their child… If they want one at home, they can buy one elsewhere,” she smiles, with a benevolent air.
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Long-awaited reunion
The cleaning and maintenance of the rides will also keep the showmen busy. Without forgetting the supply of the lots, provided by the company Vadimo’s patece which tours throughout France. “Yesterday in Audincourt and tomorrow in Montluçon”, specifies Daniel. A well-oiled logistics… So that Saturday, live the party and the candy floss!
