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FAIRCARE IN CRISIS: Showmen fear for their future – bumper cars and cash registers are overflowing Showmen in Germany have experienced difficult times during the COVID-19 pandemic and due to rising prices. Traditional folk festivals and markets, which represent a key source of income, were canceled or severely restricted. This led to significant financial losses for the industry. However, the ongoing costs for maintenance, transport, and operation of the rides and stalls remained. Furthermore, current economic conditions, particularly rising energy and raw material prices, have further increased the pressure. Many showmen are fighting for survival, as the industry's recovery is progressing slowly and uncertainty about future events remains high. Showman Rudi Isken: A Life for the Bumper Cars Rudi Isken, a showman from Dortmund, is in his element. He has been touring Germany with his beloved bumper cars for over 30 years. In five days, up to 150,000 visitors are expected at the fair. Setting up the bumper cars requires precision and teamwork, as the track must be perfectly level. Precision and Teamwork "We start here with the track, which of course has to be perfectly level. It's not a roller coaster, after all; it needs to be nice and straight for a proper ride experience," explains Rudi. The atmosphere during setup is a bit rough, as everything has to run smoothly. "You always have to make sure everyone's pitching in," says Rudi. Impact of the Pandemic The pandemic hit not only the entire fairground industry hard, but also Rudi Isken personally. "When you're shut down for weeks and months through no fault of your own, it affects you not only financially, but also psychologically," he says. The financial obligations remained, even when everything came to a standstill. "We had monthly obligations of around €18,000, even during the pandemic," says Rudi. A Family Business with Tradition Fortunately, Rudi was able to count on government aid and the support of his son, Rudi Junior. The 23-year-old belongs to the seventh generation of the fairground family and has been involved since childhood. “I’ve only ever known it this way, and I’ve always been someone who enjoys physical work,” says Rudi Junior. He likes the varied life of a fairground worker: “Something different every week, always new problems and challenges—it never gets boring.” Setting up the bumper cars Three days later in Dortmund, the bumper cars are taking shape. “We’re unloading the cars right now. We’re doing that with a lift from a ramp because the bumper cars weigh a bit over 200 kg,” explains Rudi. After unloading, the cars are powered from above. Rudi enthuses: “What’s special about the ride, I think, is that no two rides are the same. The visitor determines the ride themselves.” Anticipation and a test run Of course, Rudi doesn’t miss the chance to take a personal test run. “The first ride is done, it was fun, it’s a good feeling that everything works, we’re almost ready to go,” he says happily. Should the weather not cooperate, Rudi has a positive attitude: "If it rains, I smile, because if I don't smile, it will still rain." Opening Day On opening day, Rudi Isken is in luck. The sun is shining, and many visitors flock to the fair. "The weather is cooperating today, too; we even have patches of blue sky," reports Rudi. The later the evening, the more crowded the ride becomes. History of the Bumper Cars Bumper cars originated in the USA, where the first one appeared in 1906. The German premiere took place 20 years later in Düsseldorf. The Isken family entered the business of these small electric cars in the 1950s. Rudi Isken and his team have once again managed to set up the bumper cars perfectly and on time. Thanks to the support of his family and team, Rudi can continue to pursue his beloved profession and offer visitors unforgettable experiences. #fair #festivals #carnivals 🔵 WELT DOKU YouTube Channel    / weltdoku   🔵 The WELT News Livestream    / @weltvideotv   🔵 WELT Podcasts YouTube Channel    / weltpodcast   🔵 WELT News Channel YouTube Channel    / weltvideotv   🔵 WELT Network Reporter YouTube Channel    / dienetzreporter   🔵 The Top News on WELT.de http://bit.ly/2rQQD9Q 🔵 The Media Library on WELT.de http://bit.ly/2Iydxv8 🔵 WELT News Channel on Instagram https://bit.ly/IGWELTTV 🔵 WELT on Instagram http://bit.ly/2X1M7Hk