Festival-goers brave the weather at "Classic by the Lake" event in Düsseldorf Wersten
The second installment of "Classics by the Lake" in Wersten, Germany, overcame weather challenges to deliver an enjoyable experience for classic car enthusiasts and local visitors. Despite forecasted rain, organizer Dirk Rauchmann and his team, along with the angling club "Petri Heil," remained optimistic about the event's second edition.
They took precautions by setting up additional pavilions for rain protection, hoping that attendee enthusiasm would be undeterred. Fortunately, those equipped with weather-appropriate clothing and umbrellas braved the elements to support the event. The quiet shores of the university lake filled up on Saturday evening (5.8.), as the 180 tickets sold out quickly due to high demand.
The weather, although damp, did not dampen spirits. Nearly everyone who managed to acquire a ticket attended, demonstrating the growing popularity of the event since its inaugural year. Those with picnic spots were resourceful, moving them to a relatively dry area. For some, what would have been prime viewing spots in better weather became tests of endurance—a badge of honor among the most resilient attendees.
Organizer Rauchmann enthusiastically described the atmosphere at the Angler Lake in Wersten: "The preparation and the additional effort with tents delighted the people." Georgian soprano Anna Moog also participated in the event, facing a new challenge in singing in the rain at the start but enjoying the unique experience overall.
After the intermission, the rain subsided, allowing for pleasant hours by the lake. The catering, which offered various wines from the Ahr, non-alcoholic drinks from the Haaner Felsenquelle, delightful salads, and grilled dishes, contributed to the overall positive atmosphere.
Guest feedback on social media suggested that the event was a success, with many expressing excitement for next year's "Classics by the Lake." While specific attendance figures and detailed weather information were not explicitly documented, the event's ability to attract a sizable crowd and receive favorable reviews indicates its increasing popularity in the area.
Despite the damp weather, the growing popularity of the event was evident as attendees, armed with weather-appropriate clothing and umbrellas, braved the elements to support the second edition of "Classics by the Lake." Organizer Dirk Rauchmann's efforts to prepare for potential rain, such as setting up additional pavilions, showed that outdoor-living at the Angler Lake in Wersten is not limited to sunny days, but extends to home-and-garden lifestyle events even in challenging weather conditions.
