Interview OK Wümmetfäscht

«Höngg has an incredible amount to offer»

Three days of festivities, hundreds of volunteers, and many areas working together: Co-President Nicole Kraft and Co-President Rolf Pulfer explain how the festival comes about – and what they are particularly looking forward to.

For both of you, this is the second Wümmetfäscht as co-presidents. Did you approach the organization differently this time than on your premiere?

Rolf Pulfer: Our organization already worked perfectly the first time two years ago. In the meantime, we have also become well-coordinated as co-presidents.

Nicole Kraft: Everyone knows what they can do, and what the other can do «better». The tasks are well distributed or delegated.

What challenges had to be overcome?

Nicole Kraft: The biggest challenge is certainly bringing all the different areas together. A great many people, clubs, institutions, stallholders, and helpers are involved in the Wümmetfäscht. In addition, there are permits, which are becoming increasingly complex, infrastructure, program, security, communication, and of course, constant short-term changes. It therefore requires a lot of coordination and flexibility.

Rolf Pulfer: We also had to replace some departures of deserving and experienced members of the organizing committee. Fortunately, we were able to gain new people.

How does one become part of the committee?

Rolf Pulfer: The interested person can contact us and present their ideas. Most of us on the organizing committee started as Helpers started somewhere at the Wümmetfäscht and got an insight into the committed collaboration of the various teams. This then encouraged them to get even more involved with us.

Approximately how many volunteers are involved in the festival?

Rolf Pulfer: We on the organizing committee have around 150 volunteer shifts to fill in the various task areas. In addition, there are the numerous volunteers in the four Festival catering , who are sought out and appointed by the people in charge there. And not to forget: the many helpers at the market and club stands and in the Youth program . There must be well over 300 volunteers working at the Wümmetfäscht.

What new features can be expected at this year's Wümmetfäscht?

Nicole Kraft: This year, we are trying to maintain what has proven successful while also setting new accents. This year, among other things, there is the Spiel- und Rätselplausch (Games and Puzzle Fun), in which various Höngger institutions and clubs are participating. Visitors can take part in the Market stalls solve tasks, collect stamps, and participate in the raffle on Sunday. In addition, the Pestalozzi Library is open for the first time, and the Mühlehalde is open throughout the weekend.

Other neighborhood festivals sometimes rely on prominent names, the Wümmetfäscht focuses on local talents. Is that part of the concept?

Nicole Kraft: Yes, absolutely. The Wümmetfäscht is a festival "by Höngg and for Höngg" (and of course also for all guests from outside). It is important to us that local clubs, musicians, groups and institutions are given a platform. Höngg has an incredible amount to offer, and we want to make exactly this diversity visible. And what could be nicer than admiring familiar faces on a stage?

However, we will have to do without the big festival parade.

Rolf Pulfer: The decision not to hold the big parade anymore was made relatively quickly together with the main responsible parties. And it was known that the traditional Hönggerabend also had to be replaced by a different offer. The challenge was to continue to provide an attractive platform for the many Höngger associations and institutions for their presentation and performances. A look at the program booklet shows that we have created many opportunities and we hope that the public will appreciate this change.

Will the Wümmetfäscht also be covered on social media?

Nicole Kraft: Of course! We are also newly represented on Instagram and will provide information in advance about the Program , news and everything worth knowing about the Wümmetfäscht. During the festival, we also want to share impressions, pictures, and special moments.

Last but not least: are there any personal highlights you are particularly looking forward to?

Rolf Pulfer: I'm looking forward to the performance of Rossini's « William Tell » with the Hönggermusik and the kofferOper on Sunday in the parish hall. And of course, on the first sip of Höngger wine from the new Wümmetfäscht glass!

Nicole Kraft: For me, the most beautiful moment is always when the festival begins after the long preparation time and suddenly people are everywhere, meeting, laughing, and celebrating together. Then you see what you've worked for all these months. But, to be honest: I'm really looking forward to the Wümmet Party in the Mühlehalde on Friday evening (laughs)!

Interview: Daniel Diriwächter