Andrea lives in the Ore Mountains. Before retiring, she worked as a teacher. As a result, she has a good feel for language and an eye for detail - all qualities that she brings to the volunteer editorial team of Chemnitz 2025.
"Chapeau" is not only the French word for "hat", but also an expression for something that was good; you literally take your hat off to an acceptable performance. And that is exactly what I would like to do regarding the Hat Festival 2024. As always, it was an interesting event with many highlights, exceptional artists and many cheerful Chemnitz residents and their guests. And we as Volunteers, Chemnitz 2025 were of course right in the thick of it again!
Together with my husband and other volunteers, I had already agreed in advance to support the organisers of this festival. In preparation, we received a comprehensive introduction to our tasks on these days from the responsible employees in the town hall: talking to people, informing them about Chemnitz 2025, handing out buttons and, of course, making a conspicuous appearance with our blue T-shirts!
When we took up our duties at the Hat Festival information stand on Friday, we were given another task: to look out for people with unusual headgear for the photographers. And there were plenty of them! Santa hats, sun hats, jazzed-up plastic bags, but also designer hats with veils and floral decorations .... people had come up with something and wanted to stand out and have fun. That's why it wasn't difficult for us to strike up a conversation and introduce ourselves and our cause. Most of them favoured the Capital of Culture theme, but were truly grateful for further information, which we were happy to give them. We were also able to help the photographers and send many "models" round. They were rewarded with a hat festival button.
I had another special experience. A couple came towards us on Innere Klosterstraße and walked past us. Suddenly, someone tapped me on the shoulder, the man had read the inscription on the back of the shirt and spontaneously decided to take part as a volunteer for the Capital of Culture.
At the end of our shift, a little hoarse from all the talking, we were allowed to help ourselves to the buffet that had been prepared for the actors, organisers and helpers in the town hall. A thank you that was gladly accepted.
Finally, a look back at the weather. The Friday shift was very lucky, it stayed dry and sunny and the programme could take place as planned. On Saturday, however, the heavens opened their floodgates and artists and visitors all had to take shelter in the "Roter Turm" gallery to avoid getting completely soaked. Afterwards, however, the programme could continue. Chapeau!
