Three locals from Leingarten recount their memories, ranging from horse races to associations with Jürgen Klinsmann, a renowned figure in the world of soccer.
The small town of Leingarten, Germany, is gearing up for a much-anticipated event: the Leingarten Cheese Ride, or Kaesritt, which is set to take place from September 12 to 15. This festival, steeped in history and tradition, is making a comeback after an eight-year absence.
The origins of the Kaesritt date back to a grazing right of the Rittergut Hipfelhof near Frankenbach, granted to the farmers of Großgartach. The festival was revived as a community event in 1950 by artist Richard Herda-Vogel, who introduced a parade, horse racing, and artistic performances.
Over the years, the Kaesritt has evolved, with the first event not taking place on the current festival site but on the Großgartacher Wasen. The festival is now held every three years, and its organisers, including Fritz Eichholz, Wolfgang Reuther, and Fritz Ritter, are eagerly preparing for the upcoming event.
Fritz Eichholz, who has organised the Kaesritt ten times, recalls the extensive planning and coordination involved, requiring up to 1200 volunteers. Fritz Ritter, on the other hand, is digitising and processing old slides from the museum's collection, totaling around 1000 so far, to support the festival with stories about its origin, changes, special moments, and memories.
The parade remains a highlight of the Leingarten Cheese Ride for Wolfgang Reuther. However, Fritz Ritter expresses concerns about the festival's foundation being threatened by safety regulations and the absence of horses in the parade and races.
The Kaesritt has attracted notable guests in the past, such as former German footballer Jürgen Klinsmann. Klinsmann visited the beer tent at the Leingarten Cheese Ride and, like everyone else, paid for his entry. He mingled with the crowd, causing a scene when everyone focused on him instead of the performer, Wolle Kriwanek, and later asked about getting a good sausage salad.
The festival's name, "cheese boys," originates from the fact that the farmers of Großgartach were ridiculed for the grazing right. The Kaesritt's history is filled with interesting anecdotes, such as a near tragedy at the Cheese Ride races, where a heavy fall during a race and a horse that kicked up in panic during a move nearly caused an accident.
In addition to the pre-opening event of the Local Agenda 21 exactly one week before the start of the Leingarten Cheese Ride, this year's festival promises to be a celebration of tradition, community, and fun. Whether you're a local or a visitor, the Leingarten Cheese Ride is an event not to be missed.
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