Carnival like on a big stage: Clubs celebrate charity premiere at the Kostheim Senior Center

Carnival like on TV

Days before, volunteers from the KCV had set up props and installed the technical equipment in the hall – professionally, enthusiastically, and entirely on a voluntary basis. The result: an all-round successful event that was met with great enthusiasm by the more than 50 residents in attendance. Many of them appeared in style with caps and crowns. "As professional as on TV," praised an elderly carnival enthusiast appreciatively. The fact that hardly anyone left the hall before the end of the three-hour event spoke for itself.

Under the motto "KCV and KMV beat the drum," the carnival spectacle began punctually at 2:11 p.m. with the arrival of the Red Hussars and employees of the senior center in the hall, which was filled to capacity. Guests of honor included representatives of the local council and mayor, city councilors, and representatives of the Office for Social Work and the Association Ring.

Carnival stars and a full program

Between numerous "triple thunderous Helaus," well-known regional carnival stars ensured a great atmosphere: the seven-member carnival committee with session president Ralf Falkenstein, carnival speaker Bardo Frosch, Gerd Boschmann, the men's ballet "Ratschados" from TuS Kostheim, and the appearance of the prince and princess were celebrated with thunderous applause. Carnival singer Dieter Meisenzahl, together with solo entertainer Thomas Bornschlegell on the keyboard, encouraged the audience to sing and sway along.

No one is forgotten

Particularly touching: even residents who were unable to attend the meeting were not forgotten. Two hours before the event began, the carnival royalty visited the rooms, delivering small bouquets of flowers – and lots of festive cheer. "The smiles on their faces were the best thanks we could have asked for," said the organizing team.

Generous donations ensured that everyone was well fed: Café Maldaner from Wiesbaden supplied doughnuts, Brezel Geppert from Kostheim contributed pretzels, and the coffee came from Metro. Support was also provided by KSM-Umweltdienste.

"All the residents were incredibly enthusiastic," reports facility manager Angela Alt. An 84-year-old resident told her that she apparently had to be over 80 to experience something so wonderful – she has already secured her place for next year. She also wants to be part of the carnival parade through Kostheim on Carnival Saturday.

Participating with senior rickshaws

This tradition has been upheld at the Kostheim senior citizens' center for years: the EVIM facility takes part in the parade with its own delegation and senior citizen rickshaws – this year for the first time together with the KCV under the carnival motto "EVIM and the KCV – one heart and one soul." "The fifth season is simply part of life in Kostheim. Many of our residents still know the active members of the clubs personally," says Angela Alt. The memories of this make their eyes light up. She expressed her "infinite gratitude" for the extraordinary voluntary commitment of KCV and KMV.

A promise for next year

The clubs also expressed their thanks and appreciation: in addition to praising the employees for their commitment, the carnivalists presented them with a traditional medal. The initiators Björn Saemann (1st chairman of KCV), Herbert Forstel (honorary member and editorial manager of KCV) and Klaus Toni Bertram (president of KMV) have already promised: "We will definitely be back again next year!"

The joint carnival meeting was also a special tribute to EVIM's 175th anniversary. "Feeling the enthusiasm, happiness, and joie de vivre in the hall was something very special for us as seasoned carnivalists," concluded the organizers. (hk)