Celebrating the 850th anniversary of the village of Garbeck for three days, with over 600 helpers pitching in, is a masterpiece that the numerous visitors were pleased with. “There is so much to see here after entering through the town gate at Lössen Hof,” marveled a family who had travelled from Balve.
Garbeck – And that's exactly how it was: There were hands-on activities and demonstrations everywhere. Merle and Paula helped with the washing and washed a shirt on a washboard. “That's hard work,” the girls confirmed. That makes you appreciate the ultra-modern washing machine. Old crafts were presented: sheep breeding and wool processing were part of it, but also farming crafts. The tractors on display were in great demand.
And in between, you always found a cozy spot to fortify yourself with a glass of beer. To make all this possible in Garbeck, the groundwork has been laid since May 2022. This effort was praised at the opening by District Administrator Marco Voge: “You have surpassed yourselves.” This is how much effort Garbeck, but also the entire urban area of Balve, is characterized by. “That is unique.” Mayor Hubertus Mühling wished all the best on behalf of the council and administration, and: “Continue to be so independent and stubborn.”
Mayor Christoph Haarmann and the chairman of the local committee Alexander Schulte were happy to accept this praise, but immediately passed it on to the entire village. “A very successful feat of strength,” said Haarmann from the stage, looking at the very well-attended village center. While Friday, as the first public holiday, was still all about words, a premiere was also taking place there. The “Pictures of Garbeck” composed by Tobias Schütte was excellently presented by the Garbeck Youth Orchestra under the direction of Michael Hammecke, so that even the composer was delighted. The Egerländers from “Sympatria Sauerland” then took over the stage, while on Saturday the program was dominated by performances by clubs. At the same time, many events were taking place throughout the village; in the evening, people met in the village center to end the second public holiday with the Amigos. Franziska Wülle, press spokeswoman for the DFB, took over the moderation.
Because of her professional commitments with the national team, she was replaced on Sunday by journalism student Antonia Mertens. She did a very good job after the ecumenical open-air service, by the dean, pastor Andreas Schulte, and community educator Sven Körber. “It's great that so many have found their way to Garbeck so early,” said Schulte happily. Father Pius sent greetings from India: “With solidarity and determination, new challenges will also be mastered.” The parish church was also brought into focus: “Here we have our home in faith.”
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