Lexi Dost (12) was appointed the new Miss Goose Keeper on Monday afternoon at the Ganzenmarkt in Coevorden. She succeeds Jill Zwaneveld (12). Niek Huisma (11) and Sara Kosse (8) are the Mini-Mister Goose Keeper and Mini-Miss Goose Keeper for next year.
This year, during the 61st edition of the annual event, a total of 35 children participated in the traditional elections. Prior to the Goose Market, they had already presented themselves to the jury and rehearsed an act. This afternoon the candidates showed themselves again, on a stage on the market in the middle of the city.
Beforehand, the children, fully dressed in traditional costumes, took a tour through the center. The rainy weather did not spoil the fun; the entire market square was soon full. The audience, armed with umbrellas, cheered the children on with full conviction.
“I really didn’t expect to win,” says Lexi, shortly after the announcement. ”And I still can’t believe it. I am very happy.” The rain did not bother her on Monday, she says. “No, I am now missing, so everything is fine. And the last few days were super fun with the other girls who participated in the pageant. Actually, I just have friends there. We have laughed a lot.”
Lexi, Niek and Sara may represent Coevorden as Ganzenherders for a year. They will be prominently present at all kinds of cultural and sporting activities and at official moments. The next official meeting is coming up in a week: the arrival of Sinterklaas.
With the elections, Coevorden closed the Goose Market for this year today. The entire weekend, from Friday evening onwards, the city was all about the party, where visitors could enjoy a fireworks show, the fair, music performances and the De Ganzenloop running event.
The organization is satisfied with the event. “We dare say it was a great success,” says chairman Janneke Knegtering of the Coevorden Ganzenmarkt Foundation.
“For the first time this year, we had an official opening on Friday evening, followed by fireworks. On Saturday afternoon, a whole group of young people danced in the rain on the market square, during performances by various tiktokers. And also the Ganzenloop, the walking and running event on Sunday, went well. We will keep that element in place for next year.”
During the day, the weather was forecast to be more stormy, with rain and wind. Knegtering: “In the end, we were able to let everything go ahead as usual, but we shortened the program slightly. On the other hand, a bit of inclement weather, a bit of rain and a bit of cold, that’s just part of the Ganzenmarkt. Rain or not , we’re having a party here in Coevorden.”
As far as Mayor Renze Bergsma is concerned, the organization deserves “big compliments” for the successful 2023 edition. “It was fantastic, a great piece of work. The entire event went almost smoothly, I am proud of this beautiful folk festival.” According to the mayor, the event had improved slightly compared to last year. “I have seen more activities and more promotion, very good.”
The Ganzenloop had a new look for the first time this year. For the first time, participants could walk or run to Coevorden on Sunday, with one of the former town halls in Zweeloo, Dalen, Oosterhesselen or Sleen as the starting point. There was room for a maximum of three hundred participants, which was quickly reached in advance. The mayor himself also participated, together with his daughter.
“It was a nice new element, which also provides extra connection between Coevorden and the villages. As far as I’m concerned, we should look at how we can ensure that more people can participate in this event next year.”
Early next year, the Coevorden Ganzenmarkt Foundation will announce the first plans for the 62nd edition.