The 750th anniversary of Groß-Zimmern and the 535th anniversary of the Zimmern fair made for a special fair weekend
The 2026 village fair (Kerb) in Groß-Zimmern has come to an end. From August 29th to September 1st, the village celebrated with dancing and upholding its long-standing fair tradition. This year, the village's biggest festival was particularly significant: Groß-Zimmern is celebrating 750 years of local history, while the Zimmern fair itself is looking back on 535 years of tradition.
The village fair is one of the oldest customs in the community. A document issued in 1491 proves that the church consecration was already being celebrated in Groß-Zimmern at that time.
Kerbbobbe arrives on a Vespa
Saturday traditionally began with the ecumenical service in the Catholic church. Afterwards, the Kerb march proceeded to the Briggelsche, where the Kerb bobbe was collected.
This year, the Kerbbobbe herself made a special appearance: she arrived on a Vespa to pick up the Kerb. This gave the traditional program item a small but noticeable modern touch.
The festivities continued into the evening at the town hall square and in the multi-purpose hall. At the Kerb live music party, "Rediostix" provided the music at the town hall square, while the "Trio Late Night" played in the wine village.
Colorful fair parade through Groß-Zimmern
Sunday was then entirely dedicated to the traditional village fair parade. Around 1:45 p.m., the parade set off down Schiller Street. Participating were young men from the village fair, clubs, music groups, and other groups from Groß-Zimmern and the surrounding area.
The lineup of participants once again demonstrated the diversity of the Zimmern fair. Among the parade entries were the Kerbborschte (young men traditionally involved in the fair) from previous years, the Friedensschule, the JSG Groß-Zimmern/Dieburg handball youth team, TeVx Gym, TV 1863 Groß-Zimmern, the Chorgemeinschaft, the Schwarze Bock (Black Buck, Fsv 1919 Groß-Zimmern, the DWKG (Darmstadt Carnival Association), and several musical groups.
Numerous groups also incorporated local history and life into their themes. For example, groups such as "Romans," "Cowboys and Cowgirls," "Zimmern Traveling Circus," "750 Years of Zimmern Circus," and "750 Years of Groß-Zimmern" participated in the parade. Musical accompaniment was provided by, among others, the Münster 1914 Music Association, ÄSamBaDi, and Schlawutzi Schlegel.
Particularly fitting for the anniversary year, the current graduating class of 2006/2007 was also present. The village fair association had already organized numerous events in the run-up to the 750th anniversary of the village.
After the parade, the festivities continued in the town hall square. Drum groups provided lively music before the maypole was erected. In the afternoon, the traditional Kerbred (festival speech) took place, humorously recounting local events and curiosities. The band "Lehman5" provided the musical finale for Sunday.
Morning pint and after-fair party
Traditionally, the Monday of the fair was dedicated to a morning drink. The celebrations continued in pubs, clubhouses, and at the homes of the young men who had participated in the fair. In the evening, the festivities continued with an after-party in the town hall square.
This year's event once again demonstrated what has defined the Zimmern fair for generations: traditional events combined with music, parties, and a vibrant community life. The fair association itself describes the event as a fusion of old traditions and modern elements.
Farewell to the fair with burning and fireworks
On Tuesday evening, it was finally time to say goodbye. At 8:30 p.m., the funeral procession set off for the traditional burning of the Kerb effigy at the anglers' clubhouse. There, the Kerb effigy was burned.
To conclude the festivities, the traditional musical fireworks display illuminated the sky above Groß-Zimmern. Unlike in previous years, no music was played during the fireworks this time. This allowed the fireworks to stand on their own and provide a more subdued end to the four-day fair.
The burning of the Kerbbobbe also marked the end of a special Kerb year, in which two anniversaries could be celebrated.
Unfortunately, there have been more incidents involving date rape drugs
Despite the festive atmosphere, there was also a downside: Unfortunately, there were once again incidents involving date rape drugs at the fairground. This issue should therefore not be underestimated, especially at large public festivals and events.
Date rape drugs or GHB can often be colorless, odorless, and tasteless, and can be slipped into drinks unnoticed. Possible symptoms include sudden dizziness, nausea, confusion, unusual fatigue, loss of control, or memory gaps. The effects can be particularly dangerous when combined with alcohol.
The police therefore recommend not leaving drinks unattended and not accepting open drinks from strangers. Those traveling in a group should also keep an eye on each other and take any unusual changes in their friends seriously.
Anyone who suddenly becomes significantly more impaired than would be expected based on their alcohol or beverage consumption should immediately contact friends, event staff, or medical services and should not be left alone. In case of acute health problems, call 112 (the European emergency number). If there is suspicion that a date rape drug has been administered, medical help should be sought as quickly as possible, as such substances can only be detected for a short time.
The responsibility always lies with the perpetrator – not with the affected person.
A special year of celebrations is coming to an end
With the fireworks display on Tuesday, the Groß-Zimmern fair 2026 came to a close. For four days, the tradition was upheld and celebrated together. This year's fair was particularly special due to the two anniversaries : 750 years of Groß-Zimmern and 535 years of the Zimmern fair
The Kerb parade with its numerous groups, the Kerbbobbe on the Vespa, the Kerbred, the events on the town hall square and finally the burning at the anglers' clubhouse made the 2026 Kerb a fixed part of the Groß-Zimmern year.
And as is the tradition at the Zimmern fair, after saying goodbye to the Bobbe, it's already time to say: After the fair is before the fair.
