Newsletter from the chairman
Dear folklore friend,
This coming Thursday, 4 September, we will already be enjoying the last West Frisian market day. Time to look back on the past season. You may notice that I often comment on the weather. That is hardly surprising when, as an organiser of outdoor activities, you depend on the weather conditions. So, on this last day of the meteorological summer, a few remarks on the subject. Fortunately, the past season once again passed almost without problems as far as the weather was concerned. Only on 14 August, during Children's Day (dag van het kind), were extra measures needed to keep the heat in check. With a ‘National Heat Plan’ in force, there was a water point halfway along the parade route, and everyone had been urged beforehand via social media to drink enough and, of course, to stay at home if they felt unwell.
Otherwise the market weather was fine throughout, and all activities could take place without problems, once again with great public interest.
Ring Tilting Day (dag van het ringsteken) was very special this year. For the first time without Siem Huijberts in our ranks, the competition was for the trophy that will bear his name from now on. Its presentation by Marja Huijberts was an emotional moment.
Very much worth mentioning, of course, is the return of the old weighing scales on several Thursdays. On the market square opposite ‘De Posthoorn’, a suitable pit had been dug with the municipality's permission. Many market visitors had themselves weighed for a fee, after which they received a calligraphed certificate stating their exact weight. Another eye-catching activity was having photos taken in West Frisian costume, seated on one of the Folklore's carriages. Both activities aimed to raise money for Museumboerderij Vreeburg (farm museum). The idea came from the board of Vreeburg (treasurer Koos Kramer). It became a joint project of Vreeburg and the Folklore. The activities proved a fine addition to the programme of the West Frisian market, which is why the proceeds of both campaigns will be shared The cooperation with Vreeburg once again underlined the close ties between the two organisations. After all, for years we have jointly published the flyer at the start of the season, and the Folklore's carriages are exhibited in the carriage shed owned by Vreeburg. The horses are also harnessed for the parade there. As a result, many outsiders already have the impression that they are dealing with a single organisation. Both foundations have as an important goal the preservation of West Frisian cultural heritage. It is therefore not inconceivable that these ties will also take shape at board level in the near future. Of course, as chairman of the Westfriese Folklore and board member of Museumboerderij Vreeburg, I will keep you informed of developments.
All that said, the festive closing day of the 2025 season still awaits us. Let us hope that the weather gods are kind to us again, because both the joint lunch with the volunteers and the legendary ‘battle for the man and the woman’ take place in the open air. Fingers crossed!
It only remains for me to thank in advance everyone who has contributed to another wonderful Folklore season. I look forward to seeing you this coming Thursday and, of course, next year too.
Rienk Mud
Chairman, Stichting Bevordering Westfriese Folklore (Foundation for the Promotion of West Frisian Folklore)
