For three days, Ommel is dominated by cotton candy, rotating attractions and a lot of cosiness. With about a thousand inhabitants, it is not so obvious that there is a large funfair, but the Ommelaren worked hard for that. By becoming a supporter, the villagers support the event. “We don’t want to become a sleeping village. This shows that we are absolutely not that,” says Jaap van Lieshout of the Kermiscomité proudly.
A balloon farmer who makes a flower in no time, stalls with oliebollen and smiling children fill the center this weekend. On Sunday afternoon, many young families stroll over the fair. “There is something for everyone. They are small prizes so for little money you have a great afternoon,” says visitor Niels with his daughter in his arms.
Niels thinks it is important that the fair is there. “It brings people together. The pub is already doing very well, but such a fair is great for the village,” he says. “The fair is getting bigger and bigger so I am really happy. You see many people who come here with the whole family. That’s nice.”
It is a real village festival and as it goes in a small village it is ‘us know us’. Everyone is pleasantly chatting and laughing with each other. “Yes, it’s fantastic. Look where a small village can be big,” says Simone, who is at the fair with her partner and three children.
She was born and raised in Ommel. “We came back to live in Ommel last year. You see people you haven’t seen for years. It’s like a reunion,” she laughs. “It is important to honor because this is really good for the quality of life in the village. And the prices are accessible. You can in an attraction for € 1.50.”
The fair even attracts visitors from outside. “They have nice attractions here and lots of good food. Family of ours lives here and then it is nice to go to the fair with them,” says Jip from Asten. He secretly finds the fair in his own village a little more fun. “Because it is bigger!”
Jaap and Jos from the fairgroundomité watch satisfied. About six years ago they started to work for the fair. “We come from far and we have had a hard time with Corona, but we have always put our shoulders under it. You see what it brings us,” says Jaap happy. “I also visit other fairs, but this is the fair of the year for me.”
The same applies to Jos. “Without a fair, Ommel misses a body part,” he says. “We want to maintain the quality of life. Many people left because there were no houses, but we also see that they are coming back. Then you see that fraternization. Six years ago we started with a sandpit and a large container to play in, and if you look now you can say that it stands like a house.”
