The official opening of the exhibition was just a prelude to a very full afternoon and evening. Let my readers judge for themselves: a parade with the officials escorted by the Krampuses and all the participants, flags flying in the wind, costumes resplendent, - the parade made its way from the Panhans hotel to the foot of the ski-slopes. The Kreuzberg brass band led the way and marked time for the parade which was rich in colours as you would expect on a snow-covered route. And the VIPs travelled in a trailer drawn by a massive tractor! What a sight!
At the entrance to the ski-lifts, to the amazement of the skiers, torch-bearers with flag-bearers hard on their heels swept down the main ski-slope to greet the spectators. A little later came another surprise – a spectacular firework display just as night was drawing in over Semmering. Beneath the gas convector heaters in the marquee a jolly atmosphere developed as participants shared a meal of sausages and other typical Austrian dishes.
