Festive gatherings in Dusseldorf with approximately 4 million attendees experiencing tranquility
A Buzzing, Sustainable Celebration: Rheinkirmes 2023 Breaks Records
The grand finale of Rheinkirmes 2023 was nothing short of spectacular, as a whopping four million visitors enjoyed an event that set new standards for peace and eco-friendliness. In response to the global call for sustainability, organizers and attendants collaborated to make this year's festivities a green extravaganza, with a 30% drop in waste generated thanks to the diligent use of reusable tableware.
You could find yourself quenching your thirst with a choice of cups in various sizes – 0.2 liters, 0.3 liters, and 0.4 liters - all available at a two-euro deposit. Returning the cups was easy, as every stand welcomed returns with open arms. As eco-conscious champion Thomas König stated, the smooth sailing weather also played its part in the festival's success, while families reveled in the myriad offerings of entertainment.
Skepticism within the community regarding the new reusable obligations was palpable, but all parties eagerly embraced the joint system. Who knew that a cleaner site could be a reality thanks to reusable cups and tableware? Stands across the fairground brought a refreshing turn to the familiar landscape, where the sight of discarded waste was exceedingly rare. A drastic reduction in waste was evident, as the amount of residual waste plummeted from the staggering 90 tons of 2022 to a manageable 41.5 tons by Friday. The numbers for glass and paper were similarly encouraging.
Project leader Jan Torzewski of cup & More demonstrated their commitment to the cause with a peek at their dishwasher, where cups are prepared for another thrilling run at events like Wacken, where 1.2 million cups are in circulation. Witnesses from the Cranger Kirmes and Cannstatter Wasen were eager to observe the Rheinkirmes, as Düsseldorf ventures ahead as a pioneer in the consistent use of reusable items.
Security remained a priority, with police officers ensuring that order was maintained smoothly. Thorsten Fleiß, the police director, was pleasantly surprised by the event's peaceful nature, given its scale. Speedy interventions were made where necessary, as 200 evictions were issued, and eight people were taken into custody. Just under two dozen objects falling under the weapons law were confiscated, with 24 reports of bodily harm recorded.
Public safety remained top of mind, as visitor flows were adjusted when crowds became unmanageable.
Parking and Public Order
The Ordnungsamt had a different mission this year, as access controls were outsourced to a security company, freeing up the team to focus on stationary traffic and on-site management. This change in strategy yielded an increase in the number of "tickets" to 4640, with a majority issued in the Oberkassel area due to disregard for parking discs or resident parking permits. The traffic service also intensified its scrutiny of on-site parking, issuing 1528 warnings.
In most cases, bikes were spared from citations, even when parked in violation of regulations. Marcus Tiepel from the Ordnungsamt acknowledged the ineffectiveness of signs warning of costly penalties and the lack of significant consequences as a result.
As for those caught using public spaces as urinals, 275 individuals found themselves footing the fine bill between 55 and 100 euros. Among the 547 young people tested for alcohol-related or smoking violations, there were 150 offenses.
Fire and Rescue Operations
In spite of the lively atmosphere, the fire department remained on its toes, ensuring the safety of all. In total, there were 92 ambulance deployments, with one call coming from the fire station. Numerous attendees received aid at the ambulance stations of the rescue services, and 15 helpless persons were found, including three minors.
Public Transportation and Parking
The Rhinebahn played a crucial role in making sure attendees could reach their destination, promising a 2-minute interval on the most crowded nights, expediting a prompt exit for the masses. The stop at Luegplatz boasted a deployment leader with over thirty years of experience, who attested to a remarkably peaceful and incident-free arrival and departure.
Optimization opportunities abounded in the free parking offers at Vodafone and Provinzial car parks, which seemed to have flown under the radar for many patrons. A direct public transportation connection from these parking lots to the fair was an added perk.
Although negotiations with the ferry operator were well underway prior to the pandemic, those plans never came to fruition. Chief of Security Michael Zieren and Thomas König expressed a mutual desire to see the ferry in operation again next year.
Controversies
The shooting club faced a bit of heat, as environmentalists called for the elimination of the traditional gas-filled air balloons released during the opening ceremony, citing environmental concerns over plastic pollution. However, the shooting club insisted on using biodegradable balloons and cotton strings, and they might reconsider this stance based on feedback received during event criticism.
Accessibility also became a contentious issue after Oberst Ernst-Toni Kreuels indicated that he didn't want anyone using an electric mobility scooter in the parade. Critics argue that doing so would exclude mobility-impaired shooting club members from fully participating and experiencing the honor of the parade. Chief of Security Michael Zieren explained that the Oberst alone possesses the authority to make such decisions, hinting at potential re-evaluation of this stance in the wake of criticism.
In the spirit of harmony between lifestyle and sustainability, home-and-garden items such as reusable cups played a significant role in reducing waste at Rheinkirmes 2023. The use of these items transformed the event, making the fairground appear cleaner and more eco-friendly than ever before.
