Tractor Fayre 56825 Schmitt

The 2nd part of my trilogy “sad things that German’s do” is to detail (to my eternal shame) my attendance at a local tractor gathering (known as a Treckertreffen) in the village of Schmitt, in the Cochem-Zell district of Rheinland-Pfalz. I shall avoid the obvious gag here about “I used to be a tractor fan, but these days…”. On getting out of the car, we were greeted by a musky pong of fried onions, bratwurst, wood smoke and diesel fumes, to the strains of John Denver’s Take Me Home, Country Roads (I kid you not). This set the scene nicely for an exceptional period of trudging around a large field looking at tractors, in various states of rusting and agriculturally-accelerated decay. For a mundane a rather utilitarian vehicle, they certainly do have a variety of forms; one could say almost endless.

At the tractor fayre in 56825 Schmitt, owners and tractor enthusiasts (especially vintage or classic models) come together to show their machines, take part in orientation rides, and socialize with others who share an interest in agricultural machinery. The Treckertreffen in Schmitt features a healthy array of tractors (and some vintage cars) on display and group rides organized by local tractor clubs such as the IG Treckefreunde Schmitt/Eifel. On the day I attended this  included rather unsafe elevation in the bucket of some Leviathan tractor, which affords excellent views of the local countryside and an opportunity to void the rectum at the same time.

Biker Gathering, Musikschmiede Kail

The following 3 blogs are examples of how people from Smalltown, Germany live out their joyless existence in their bleak heimat, mostly trudging around in mud outdoors in cold weather, neurosing over war- and post-war artifacts long since obsolete. In this instance, the gathering was in June 2025, so there was no mud but plenty of trudging. The mud will come later, I promise. 

The scenic village of Kail on the Mosel in Germany, the Musikschmiede Kail / Café zur Tanke hosts a distinctive bike-enthusiast gathering, rooted in classic and small-displacement motorcycle culture. The event over the weekend of 19–21 June 2025, drew riders and vintage bike fans from across the region.  The centrepiece of the weekend was the “50-er Treffen” held on 19th June 2025 (Fronleichnam/ Corpus Christi holiday), with yours truly in attendance. This free meetup focused on mopeds and 50 cc bikes; lovingly referred to in local scene circles as “Fuffziger”; where owners could exhibit their machines, browse a parts market, and connect with fellow riders. Later on, there was live music from the cover band Sound Convention. Nearby camping options were available for those who wanted to stay overnight. For such a small village, there were quite a few people knocking around, and on this occasion they had good weather for it. 

Activities over the weekend also included casual rides, gatherings around the classic machines, and a Saturday (21st June) Biker-Day with additional live music and food. The relaxed atmosphere at the former café-and-garage turned cultural meeting point gave riders a chance to enjoy scenic Mosel roads and local hospitality. There is also a metalworking forge from the old garage, with a collection of grizzly-looking hand-tools. Over the years Musikschmiede Kail, run by Jutta and Jürgen, has fondly become known as a regular meeting point for bikers, offering a mix of event programming, food, live music, and a welcoming setting for motorcycle enthusiasts.

https://musikschmiede-kail.de/

Lukasmarkt, Mayen

The Lukasmarkt in Mayen, Germany, is one of the most beloved and historic folk festivals in the Rhineland-Palatinate region. Every October, the usually quiet town of Mayen transforms into a bustling fairground filled with lights, music, and the scent of roasted almonds. The festival runs for nine days, taking over the city centre; particularly the Marktplatz, Bäckerstraße, Burgfrieden, and Boemundring; and in 2025 it will take place from the 11th to the 19th of October. With a tradition that dates back to 1405, when Archbishop Werner von Falkenstein moved three annual markets to coincide with the feast day of St. Luke the Evangelist, the event has deep roots in the town’s history. What began as a market for goods and livestock has evolved into a vibrant combination of funfair, marketplace, and cultural celebration, drawing between 250,000 and 300,000 visitors every year.

During the festival, Mayen becomes a lively maze of rides, food stands, and stalls selling everything from handmade crafts to household items. The fair features a “Krammarkt,” a daily goods market that stretches through the streets for all nine days. On Tuesday and Wednesday, these two main “market days,” the event reaches its peak, with over 200 traders setting up throughout the pedestrian zone. The fair also preserves its agricultural traditions with two important events: the horse market on Tuesday, held at the Viehmarktplatz on Polcher Straße, and the sheep market on Wednesday, the only one of its kind in all of Rhineland-Palatinate. Thursday is dedicated to families, offering reduced prices on many rides and attractions, while the final Sunday ends in a spectacular fireworks display launched near the historic Genovevaburg castle.

Visiting the Lukasmarkt is as much about atmosphere as it is about activities. The inner city’s medieval layout creates a charming setting for the festival’s modern amusements. Walking through the cobblestone streets, visitors encounter carousels, food stands selling bratwurst and sweets, and vendors calling out over the hum of laughter and music. Many of the rides and stands now accept card or mobile payments, but cash is still widely used. Families will find plenty to enjoy, especially on Family Day, though it’s worth remembering that the crowds and noise can be intense. Dogs are allowed but generally discouraged for that reason.

The city provides well-organized logistics for the influx of visitors. Special “Park & Ride” services operate on the Sundays and during the Tuesday horse market, with parking lots connected to the centre by shuttle buses. Regular parking areas such as the Viehmarktplatz are available on other days, though some are restricted during major market events. Visitors are encouraged to follow the city’s signage and use public transport when possible, as several streets are closed to cars during setup and operation of the fair.

Beyond the rides and markets, the Lukasmarkt captures the spirit of a living tradition. It is at once a modern Volksfest, complete with thrill rides and bright lights, and a centuries-old meeting place rooted in Mayen’s history as a market town. Locals see it as the highlight of the year; a time when the city comes alive with music, laughter, and community pride. For tourists, it offers a rare chance to experience an authentic German fair that still retains its historic soul. Whether you visit to shop, to enjoy the food and music, or simply to be part of the crowd under the autumn lights, the Lukasmarkt remains a celebration of both past and present, ending each year with fireworks over the castle that has watched over Mayen for centuries.

The Backfischbrötchen (battered fillet of fried fish in a bun), bier and pommes is highly recommended!