Autumn market hike in Friedberg: tradition with pea soup and community
Autumn market hike in Friedberg: tradition with pea soup and community
Preparations for this year's autumn market hike in Friedberg are in full swing. On Sunday, September 15th, all hiking enthusiasts are invited to take part in one of the most traditional events in the region. Mayor Kjetil Dahlhaus, who will be on site himself, is looking forward to meeting many participants. His vision is clear: traditions such as the autumn market hike must be maintained and continuously developed.
Under the organization of the Blau-Gelb Friedberg football club, which has been taking on this important task for years, the hike will bring people together again. Michael Karrasch, a representative of the association, emphasizes: "We wanted to preserve tradition." Originally, Blau-Gelb took over the hike from its predecessor, VfB, and they are doing everything they can to forget the event.
The way to the pea soup
The hike starts at the marquee between 7 a.m. and 9 a.m. and costs 5 euros for adults, while children can go into the race with 3 euros. The participants can look forward to a medal and a voucher for a delicious pea soup, which is prepared by the members of the Friedberg fire brigade. This delicious stew is a highlight after a strenuous hike, and the mayor himself will also lace up his hiking shoes to take part.
There are two route options available to the hikers: the shorter route measures between 10 and 12 kilometers and the longer about 18 kilometers. The paths are well signposted, and the participants receive running cards that have to be stamped at different stations. Not only a refreshment is waiting at one of the stations, but also a small snack - whether Mettbrötchen or a piece of cake, nobody will have to go home!
In the past few years, the number of participants has declined sharply. While 388 people took part in 1978, it was only about 100 recently. That should change this year. The members of Blau-Gelb are optimistic and have prepared everything to win new hikers. But not only the route will be important, the community also counts. "This is a community experience. You meet new people, often run into groups and can have great conversations," adds Dahlhaus.
The mayor's office has already written to all clubs to mobilize numerous participants. Local politicians are also encouraged to participate. "I start at 7 a.m., I want to be at the animal show at 10 a.m.," says the mayor. This also uses the event as a platform for social interaction and local networking, which is often neglected today.
An amusing anecdote from the past hikes is often told: once ten old footballers disappeared during the hike. Instead of tracking the specified path, they had settled in Ockstadt to enjoy a glass in the best weather. Such stories contribute to the lively memory of the hikes and show that it is not just about hiking itself, but also about the cooperation and the sociable moments.
The autumn market hike has established itself as an integral part of the regional calendar. The combination of sporting activity, culinary delights and social meeting points makes the event attractive for all age groups. Mayor Dahlhaus and the Blau-Gelb Friedberg football club have set themselves the goal of preserving the tradition of autumn market hike for future generations and at the same time inspiring new participants. Everyone is invited to experience autumn in fresh air and become part of this special community.