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STUTTGART, Germany — Ready to ride the PowerTower2? How about
the Eurostar? Just ride them before hitting the beer tents, not
after.
 The
68th Frühlingsfest,
Stuttgart’s big springtime party, opens Saturday and runs for 23
days. It’s a lot like the Oktoberfest in
Munich, but about one-third the size. That doesn’t mean it’s
small. Organizers say that about 1.5 million people are expected to
visit the festival, which takes place at the Cannstatter Wasen, a
10-acre site along the Neckar River in the northeastern part of the
city.
“We want people to have fun, of course, and be friendly with each
other,” said Katrin Henke, a Frühlingsfest organizer. “This will
come naturally.”
The PowerTower2 and Eurostar are two of the more dastardly rides
that will be available.
One lifts riders 215 feet into the air before dropping them in a
free fall. The other is a roller coaster where riders hang in their
seats and are whipped up, around and upside down at 60 mph.
For those seeking mellower adventure, the Riesenrad Ferris wheel
takes riders 180 feet into the air. There also will be
lower-altitude spinning rides, bumper cars and rides for kids.
Four big beer tents that can hold up to 3,000 revelers will have
bands playing, people dancing and beer served in one-liter glass
mugs. Smaller beer stands are located outside.
The tents also will have food available, but plenty more food is
sold throughout the fairgrounds.
The “French Village” offers a much wider variety of chow than the
Oktoberfest. Garlic-laced meals from the Alsace region, cakes,
baguettes with various toppings and gourmets offerings, including
seafood, are on the menu.
Vendors will also be selling Swabian specialties such as
Maultaschen, a raviolilike dish stuffed with spinach, egg and other
goodies, and Spätzle, which is German pasta garnished with cheese or
other toppings.
And sausage? Well, it is Germany, so naturally there will be a
variety of wursts to chomp. The party starts at noon Saturday when
one of the city’s VIPs uses a big hammer to smash open the first keg
of beer.
Stuttgart holds the Frühlingsfest for fun, but also uses it as a
tourist attraction, according to Karin Storz of the city’s tourist
office.
“People come from all over Germany, even from Italy,” Storz said.
“If you are there, you can hear it.
“They go to the city and have fun, go shopping and visiting
museums or [other attractions]. There’s so much to do here.”
If you go . . .
What: 68th Frühlingsfest, or “spring festival.”
Where: Cannstatter Wasen, Stuttgart, Germany.
When: Saturday April 14 through May 7, 11 a.m. until 11 p.m. on
weekdays, and until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.
Parking: Costs 4 euros.
Special days: Every Wednesday is family day, with discount prices
for food and rides. Discount prices for parking and food between 11
a.m. and 2 p.m.
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