of respect for the victims of the catastrophic surge-tide in Hamburg; in 1990 due to a hurricane-force storm called Wiebke; and in 1991 due to the first Gulf War. Over the following years as many as 30,000–40,000 spectators have attended this spectacle regularly in the hope of catching a handful of sweets that are thrown from the floats for the children and to laugh at the politically and satirically themed floats as the procession moves down the High Street (Hauptstrasse) in Olching. Easter Fire; Osterfeuer A tradition that is more widespread in northern and central parts of Germany, the Easter Fire, (Ger.), is also traditionally celebrated in Olching on the town's fairground (see below), the so-called Volksfestplatz. A large bonfire is lit after dusk on Easter Saturday. Spectators of the event can also browse the numerous stalls while the Olching volunteer fire brigade Freiwillige Feuerwehr manage the fire. There is also an unofficial competition between neighboring communities and families, (typically in more rural areas) to see who can set up the largest fire. This is done to dispose of superfluous wood (including remaining Christmas trees) while earning donations for local charitable groups and organizations. The origin of this festival in Germany is a mixture of pagan celebrations intended to drive away the winter and its evils, and Christian beliefs (another name for this celebration in parts of Bavaria and Austria is Judasfeuer (literally: Judas fire)). Fair; Volksfest The fair (Volksfest) in Olching takes place annually during the second holiday week of Whitsun (Pfingsten). The fair consists of rides, stalls, food and entertainment, and a large beer tent, which are set up on the Volksfestplatz (fairground). There are various themed events in the beer tent, including a regional boxing fight night. The community organises a broad range of events during the festival, including a popular large firework display, usually on the first Monday of the fair. The day of Corpus Christi is usually a raceday, which takes place at the Speedwaybahn as part of the festivities. Notable people Roman Neumayer (c. 1930–2015), ice hockey executive, coach and player, lived and died here Martin Smolinski, is a German international motorcycle speedway and Grasstrack rider who has represented the German speedway team at senior level. He is a former World Long Track champion and European Grasstrack champion Twin towns – sister cities Olching is twinned with: Feurs, France Tuchola, Poland References The initial