"Pumpkin excitement among children: elements for an ideal Jack-o'-lantern"
In the heart of Germany, the annual Ludwigsburg Pumpkin Festival is gearing up for another spectacular event, with this year's theme being "Grand Cinema." The festival, held in the picturesque Blühenden Barock, is under the guidance of its artistic director, Laura Ramsauer.
Laura's journey with the festival began 15 years ago, starting at the dishwashing station of the cafeteria. Over the years, she's climbed the ranks and now oversees the entire event. Her role is multifaceted, from ordering the right pumpkin seeds and distributing them to the farms, to attaching pumpkins to the grid nets of the figures using cable ties.
The figures for the exhibition are designed by Pit Ruge, a Cleebronn artist, who has been part of the festival since its inception. The pumpkins, both black and orange, adorn these figures and the camera wagon's wheels, adding a splash of colour to the grand spectacle.
The pumpkin festival is a testament to improvisation, with Laura never knowing exactly what to expect in the morning. Yet, she thrives in this unpredictable environment, appreciating the family atmosphere among the employees and the passion and flexibility required for her job.
The fame of the Ludwigsburg Pumpkin Festival can be traced back to 17 years ago, when Mathias Gerber made a peculiar bet that led to the festival gaining fame on the television show "Wetten, dass..?" Since then, the festival has grown exponentially, attracting thousands of visitors each year.
In the coming month, Laura will be on the road, renovating figures, repainting faces, replacing wooden parts, and fixing metal grids in Kaiserslautern, Beelitz, and Brussels. She will also be providing pumpkin carving workshops for children, ensuring the festival's spirit continues to inspire the next generation.
Despite the demanding schedule, Laura maintains a keen eye for detail, ensuring that iconic representations of characters, like Mickey Mouse and Superman, are maintained exactly. The festival's success lies in its ability to blend art and tradition, creating a magical experience that captivates audiences year after year.
As the festival approaches, preparations are in full swing, and the Blühenden Barock is set to transform into a grand cinema, thanks to the tireless efforts of Laura Ramsauer and her team.
During the renovation process for key figures ahead of the festival, Laura will be traveling to various locations, including Kaiserslautern, Beelitz, and Brussels. To keep the spirit of the festival alive, she'll also conduct pumpkin carving workshops for children.
The fusion of art and tradition at the Ludwigsburg Pumpkin Festival is evident in the intricate designs on figures like Mickey Mouse and Superman, which Laura meticulously maintains with great attention to detail.
Understandably, the festival's popularity has expanded, with its origins tracing back to Mathias Gerber's bet 17 years ago on the television show "Wetten, dass..?" Now, thousands flock to the event each year to experience the enchanting blend of lifestyle, fashion-and-beauty, food-and-drink, home-and-garden, and travel displays.
