Reichshoffen. The Strolls around the lake celebrate their 20th edition with numerous activities

The "Strolls and Discoveries Around the Lake" festival will celebrate its ^20th edition on Sunday, May 18 in Reichshoffen. Launched in 2004 by the then deputy mayor in charge of community life, Paul Hecht, and the late former fish warden of the local AAPPMA, Hubert Kettering, the festival has continued to evolve, transform, and expand.

The very first editions were held only on Sunday afternoons and were launched to promote local products, with local artisans (blacksmiths, basket makers, carpenters, rope weavers, etc.). "But why not start in the morning (at 10 a.m.) if we already go to so much trouble setting up and dismantling the structures to accommodate the exhibitors?" suggested Paul Hecht.

Over the years, a number of activities have been added, such as the one focusing on tree maintenance by the arboriculturists' association, the Corinne Bloch Earth Workshops, activities for children (Intercommunal Animation Network), tree climbing, balloon sculptures, "live painting", forest therapy, musical strolls on stilts, concerts, etc. At each edition, new activities judiciously complete the program on the banks of the lake, the ponds and the Fishermen's Hall.

For the ^20th edition, on May 18, there will be several new features, including a blender bike (for the first time) to make your smoothie while pedaling, a climbing lighthouse among the inflatable structures, donkey rides, the green and blue network of the Northern Vosges Regional Natural Park (PNRVN), the Water and River House, activities to promote fauna and flora, and also for the first time, a first aid station.

The icing on the cake is that singer Léna Hoffmann and the Happaranka orchestra will be performing at the Hall des Pêcheurs.

^20th “Strolls and Discoveries around the Lake,” Sunday, May 18, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Free admission. Information: www.reichshoffen.fr or Facebook Ville de Reichshoffen.