Patience appears to be a virtue as far as Barger-Oosterveld is concerned. With the announced corona relaxation, the Southeast Drenthe village still sees a chance to celebrate carnival in a big way. Flintfest breaks loose in all its glory on the last weekend of February near the FC Emmen stadium.
In recent months, the five carnival villages Barger-Compascuum, Emmer-Compascuum, Weiteveen, Zwartemeer and Barger-Oosterveld eagerly awaited good news during government press conferences. Can carnival continue or not? As February approached, the odds seemed to get smaller and smaller.
First there was a line through the parades and later the carnival weekends followed. As an alternative, in some cases a pub party was chosen. In Barger-Oosterveld the hope for more was held on.
Relief
“The local catering entrepreneurs, who in this case are responsible for the organization, were ready to start in the event of relaxation,” says Mark Siekman of De Zeskante Steen. With a line through the corona lock, it was possible to switch quickly. “Last week they had extensive consultations with the municipality. We all took into account the possible good news.”
Since tonight the bullet has been passed through the church and that led to general joy. “We really waited for that last straw”, laughs Siekman. “But it is a relief for carnival-loving Emmen. For everyone, actually. Something is finally allowed again.”
3500 people
A large tent will be erected in the coming weeks on a site near the FC Emmen stadium. Good for at least 3,500 people, according to Siekman. “The pub owners have now developed a program with DJs and artists. The party is from 25 to 27 February.”
People must show a negative corona test for access. “In the talks with the municipality, we also discussed offering sufficient test opportunities. We will hear more about that tomorrow.”
Zwartemeer and Barger-Compascuum
In Zwartemeer (Veentrappers) and in Barger-Compascuum (‘t Stiekelzwien) it is being examined whether a special activity is still being set up. More will be announced about this later, the spokespersons of both associations say.