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Every morning at 7:07 AM, residents of Bergisch Gladbach receive a local news overview in their inbox. This year's Pentecost fair, a cherished tradition in the city, holds special significance for fair organizer Burkhardt Unrau.
Celebrating its 45th anniversary, Unrau, a native of Bergisch Gladbach, will be present as a ride is blessed for the first time. The notable attraction is the newly designed autoscooter "Route 66," which carries significant personal resonance for Unrau.
From June 7 to 10, the fair will take place on Konrad-Adenauer-Platz and around the Bergischer Löwe. This year's edition will feature classic rides such as autoscooter, music express, and "Break Dance," along with novel attractions like a nostalgic Ferris wheel, the "Chaos Factory," and family-friendly rides such as "Ring Renner," the piggy train, a mini autoscooter, and a children's carousel.
Unrau explains that the fair serves as a beacon of joy, relaxation, and diversity during challenging global times. He is the managing director of the Schaustellerverband Bergisch Gladbach e.V., overseeing the organization of the Pentecost and Laurentius fair in the city on a voluntary basis for 45 years.
For Unrau, the autoscooter "Route 66" is one of the fair's highlights, as it has been redesigned with new lighting and now consumes a third less electricity compared to its previous version. Originally belonging to Günter Barth, who passed away at the end of 2023, the autoscooter will make its debut following a blessing ceremony on Pentecost Saturday at 10 AM on Konrad-Adenauer-Platz.
Ute Unrau, Burkhardt's wife, has been leading the municipal public order office for 25 years and is responsible for the fair in that capacity. She initially hesitated about applying for the position due to her initial skepticism about working with showmen and Unrau. The couple married in 2011, appropriately enough, on the autoscooter "Route 66" during the Pentecost fair.
Mayor Frank Stein acknowledges the cultural importance of the fair and commends Unrau and his wife for their long-standing dedication to the event. The history of fairs in Bergisch Gladbach can be traced back to 1842.
Unrau emphasizes the need to continue preserving this tradition for future generations, particularly after the impact COVID-19 had on the fair industry. He is adamant about keeping fair events under municipal control, citing the "deterrent example" of Cologne, where the Easter fair was canceled this year, leaving many showmen uncertain about their winter survival.
The Pentecost fair runs from June 7 to 10. On June 7, at 10 AM, Kreisdechant Norbert Höter will bless the newly designed Autoscooter on Konrad-Adenauer-Platz. The fair will be officially opened at noon by Mayor Frank Stein, District Administrator Stephan Santelmann, Kreisdechant Norbert Höter, and showmen's spokesperson Burkhardt Unrau with a traditional beer barrel tapping ceremony. Following the opening, showmen will distribute free ride chips for children. The fair concludes on June 10 with a fireworks display.
The autoscooter "Route 66," with its new design and energy-efficient features, is a significant highlight for Burkhardt Unrau, the fair organizer, as it carries personal resonance and will make its debut during the home-and-garden setting of the Konrad-Adenauer-Platz during the Pentecost fair.
In addition to classic rides and attractions, the lifestyle aspect of the fair is emphasized by the inclusion of novel attractions like the "Chaos Factory" and family-friendly rides, fostering joy, relaxation, and diversity in the city of Bergisch Gladbach.
