Herzele tries to lure showmen with free vouchers amid fair attendance crisis

The Belgian municipality of Herzele is facing a significant challenge in attracting showmen to its local fairs, particularly in its sub-municipalities. This weekend, the sub-municipality of Woubrechtegem will only feature a single donut stall, a stark illustration of the problem.

Heidi Knop, the alderwoman responsible for markets and fairs, expressed frustration, stating that the municipality offers considerable incentives, including free stall space, electricity, and water, to lower the barrier for showmen. The aim is to ensure that residents of the smaller communities can still enjoy a vibrant fair experience.

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I am quite angry, yes. As a municipality, we do a lot to lure showmen to our sub-municipalities, and yet they stay away, again this weekend.

However, these efforts have yielded little success. Showmen are increasingly choosing to participate in larger, more lucrative fairs, bypassing smaller events like those in Hillegem and Steenhuize, in addition to Woubrechtegem. While Herzele's main fairs can still attract sufficient attractions, the sub-municipalities are suffering.

Knop is scheduled to meet with the fair committee to brainstorm solutions. One proposed idea is to distribute free vouchers to children, guaranteeing showmen a certain number of customers and thus a minimum level of business. She also urged residents to attend the Woubrechtegem fair despite the limited attractions, highlighting the efforts of local village councils and committees who organize supplementary activities to keep the festive spirit alive.

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Otherwise, we will hand out free vouchers to the children, so that the showmen are sure of visitors.