Would the Nightwalk return to Emmen after corona? It was just a question. But after six years of absence, at least 1,500 walkers, cheerfully dressed in exuberant lighting, will start walking through Emmen and the surrounding area at night on March 21. The route of this third edition takes you through Wildlands and the AOC Terra school building in Noordbarge.
The biennial Nightwalk was first held in 2017 by Lions Club The Broken Circle and led through and past striking locations. Such as the zoo, the town hall, the library, the old dairy factory and through the Emmerdennen and the Noordbargerbos.
Along the way, participants were treated to music, street theater, singing and other entertainment. On average, around 1300 to 1500 participants attended the event. The proceeds from ticket sales always go to a group of charities. At the first edition in 2017 it was 13,500 and at the second and so far last time in 2019 it was even more.
And then suddenly it became quiet. Corona naturally caused restrictions and partly contributed to the absence of a third Nightwalk. But according to spokesperson Arend Nijhof, organizing the event also requires a lot of work. “Whether the Nightwalk almost didn’t return? Maybe.”
So far, Lions Club The Broken Circle has been responsible. They have now joined forces with Rotary Club ‘t Loo. And many hands make light work. A new Nightwalk has now been set up on March 21.
Ticket sales started at the beginning of this year and they are going fast, according to Nijhof. “A third of the 1,500 available tickets have already been sold. The Nightwalk is particularly popular among associations.” If sales continue at this pace, the running event could sell out in no time. “But we may still have room for a small expansion with an additional 500 cards.”
As in previous years, all ticket proceeds will go to charity. Five have now been selected: the Wish Foundation, Euterpe wind orchestra, Stichting Kinderkamp Zuidoost-Drenthe, the Grote Kerk and the Wildlands Education Fund.
“These are all good causes that manifest themselves mainly locally,” Nijhof emphasizes the most important criterion. The organization is aiming for a proceeds of 20,000 euros with this edition.
The organization is keeping the exact route a secret for now. “But he goes through the center and towards Noordbarge and Bargeres.” The route has been shortened slightly. From about eight to six kilometers. “A choice we made with safety and accessibility in mind.” For example, the routes through the forest have been deleted. “It is still very humid there and that could cause problems.” Entertainment is provided at approximately 22 points along the way. “It’s a mix of everything: singers, accordions, a barrel organ and djembes.
In addition to AOC Terra, the Nightwalk will visit a new location. Nijhof does not want to say which one that is yet. “We would like to keep it a surprise as much as possible.”