Every year on the first Saturday in October, the Eben Kirchtag takes place from 09:00 to 17:00. The local business association brings together the local businesses and other stall holders to create a highlight in Eben's events calendar with many sales and catering stalls, tombolas, children's attractions and live music along the main street. And for the 45th time already!
Eben im Pongau is a comparatively young parish - the Catholic Parish Church was only built in the 1950s. In 1978, Eben businessman Georg Schilchegger organised the first Eben Village Fair aimed at bringing local businesses to the fore. Since then, every year on the first Saturday in October, the main street and village square are transformed into a giant pedestrian zone with many different stalls from Eben businesses as well as traders and producers from near and far.
A saying, which couldn't be more relevant. The local shops always come up with special offers, promotions or competitions for the Village Fair. This year, the specialist electrical shop ‘Schilchegger’ invites you to cookery demonstrations, while ‘Karlsberger Wohnen mit Stil’ and ‘Sport Klieber’ have unbeatable offers and sales. With a little luck, you can win unique decorations in the big raffle at ‘Creativ Wohnen’ or take advantage of the -10% discount on decorations. Numerous other craftspeople, producers and creative minds present their unique products and provide a colourful mix of home-made items such as jewellery and decorations or culinary delights such as cheese, sausage, bacon, honey products and much more. Speaking of culinary delights...
You're spoilt for choice - this is especially true when it comes to choosing refreshments at Eben's Fair. Traditionally, hot dogs, chicken, veal sausage with pretzels, or meat fritters are on the menu. As of last year, the delicious pulled beef burger with meat from the Oberhagmooshof farm has also been on the menu. If you fancy a sweet treat or a ‘Kirchtog’ (a souvenir from the village fair) to take home with you, you should come to the ‘Eder Bakery’ stand. There you will find the finest baked goods such as cream horns, doughnuts, Linzer slices, and much more. Other classics such as candy floss and delicious chocolate fruits are also available again. At Eben's Fair, you can wander up and down the ‘special pedestrian zone’ between the Ebnerwirt and Hotel-Restaurant Schwaiger more than once anyway - there's bound to be a second helping, right?
One thing is certain: Eben would not be Eben without its clubs - and that also applies to the Kirchtag. Eben's marksmen are already a fixture with their shooting range. But anyone who thinks that this is just a ‘normal’ shooting range is mistaken. Here you can put your accuracy to the test with a crossbow and win valuable prizes. The volunteer fire brigade and its youth are also represented and show interested visitors their emergency vehicles and equipment, while the little ones can let off steam in the bouncy castle and on the merry-go-round. The football club UFC Eben, the parish, the traditional costume women and the women's movement are also there and help with the bar, run stalls or offer other delicacies such as delicious meat fritters or coffee and cake in the afternoon. And since music is known to bring people together, there is no shortage of musical entertainment on Kirchtag.
In addition to the numerous stands, offers and competitions, don't forget to celebrate! In the Loopy Bar at the Hotel-Restaurant Schwaiger there is an ‘Oktoberfest’ with veal sausage, pretzels, and tasty autumn beer. In the evening, after the traders have already closed for the day, things really get started in the village square: the live band MOJO SIXX gets the crowd going in the party tent at Kohler's Pub!
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PS: You can easily get to the colourful fair by public transport: Eben train station is right in the centre, and buses stop at the Park & Ride car park, which is only a 10-minute walk away. If you arrive by car, the Park & Ride car park and the EBCOM car park at the valley lift station can be used free of charge.
photo credits: TVB Eben im Pongau