Europeans Hope to Open Juggling's Eastern Gates in Oldenburg

 The organizers of the 13th European Juggling Convention are hoping that recent political changes will attract many Eastern European jugglers to the event next Aug. 30-Sept. 2 in Oldenburg, Germany.

 

Dieter Wiemers and Frank Zechner write, "Until now only jugglers from Western Europe participated in the convention, but now for the first time jugglers from East Europe will be able to come."

 

Oldenburg is the capital of the Weser-Ems district in the German state of Lower Saxony. (Don't confuse it with the other city of Oldenburg lo­cated in Schleswig-Holstein!) The well­preserved inner city, with numerous buildings under historic preservation, is the centerpiece of the old capital city. The university, with its modern sports facilities, will be the juggling headquarters.

 

The convention gets under way on Aug. 30, but the first serious activities begin the next day, with performances in the center city and a party that evening. Saturday, Sept. 1, begins with workshops and shows, then moves into a juggling parade through the pedestrian precinct and decorated shopping center of Oldenburg. The parade will be accompanied by several musical groups and break up into street performances on stages in the streets and parks. That evening a public show will be held in the Weser-Ems public hall. The fun will continue after the show until dawn, with juggling, dancing and partying at the university.

 

The final day of the 13th European convention will be devoted to deciding where the 14th convention will be. Wiemers and Zechner ask, "Maybe in 1991 we will meet in Moscow?! Let us wait and see!"

 

For more information, contact: Dieter Wiemers & Frank Zechner; Verein zur Forderung des Freizeitsports e.V.; Oldenburg; W.Germany.