On Saturday (13 June), the Forest Festival organized by the Trzebień Association and the Municipal Culture and Sports Centre in Bolesławiec with its registered office in Kruszyn was held in the square in front of the “Jarzębina” Community Centre in Trzebień. The festival began with the arrival of the so-called NATO Spearhead. Two BOXER armoured personnel carriers, accompanied by several smaller military vehicles, arrived in front of the Community Centre. This was an international delegation of troops taking part in the Noble Jump exercise. They were primarily Dutch, German and Polish soldiers. An official welcome and a speech by Brigadier General Kees Matthijssen, commander of the Dutch 11th Air Manoeuvre Brigade, took place. The general was impressed by the hospitality shown by the residents of Trzebień. After the speech, gifts were exchanged. Jacek Matuszak from the Ministry of National Defence and Captain Johannes Buschleb, press spokesman for the Bundeswehr, were also present.
When the excitement had subsided somewhat, another spectacular operation began. This time, the Volunteer Fire Service from Trzebień arrived with its sirens on, together with the State Fire Service from Bolesławiec. They began a highly impressive rescue operation involving the extraction of an injured person trapped inside a car. Shortly afterwards, motorcyclists arrived to present their vehicles. The Chocianów Forest District was also present, with representatives educating residents through games. Visitors could see forest animals and take part in forest-themed competitions. The festival offered many attractions, including inflatable play equipment and competitions, as well as artistic performances. The performers included “Jarzębinki” from Trzebień, students of Mr Bronisław Górecki, and the groups “Leśne Nastroje” and “Bojagama”. A raffle was held, with a mountain bike as the main prize. There was also a competition for the most beautiful flower wreath and an art competition entitled “Forest Animals”.
The festival was also attended by: Deputy Head of Bolesławiec Municipality Roman Jaworski, Bolesławiec Municipal Councillor Andrzej Szwedo, Director of the Municipal Culture and Sports Centre in Bolesławiec Janusz Cieśla, Director of the School and Preschool Complex Beata Sasak, Chairwoman of the Trzebień Rural Housewives’ Association Józefa Merek, and Trzebień Village Head Małgorzata Zoryło.
Even a sudden storm did not thwart the organizers’ plans, as they quickly took shelter in the Community Centre, where the event continued until late at night.
Agnieszka Faltyn/ii
