Sven van den Ham
For as long as most members of VG 't Kump Waal can remember, they have been celebrating Carnival from a young age. For many of them, Carnival begins on Saturday with the festivities in the city at the Parade, the Market, or the Zoepkoel. In 2014, the schedule changed for many.
Not one, but two parades were scheduled for the new carnival group VG 't Kump Waal.
During the 2013 Carnival, Sven (second from the right in the photo) came up with the idea to see who would be interested in joining the parade. A beer mat was passed around in the pub, and soon enough, many names were on it. The idea was there, now for the execution. With their enthusiasm, they got to work right away.
The first meeting was held at De Vergulde Gaper in the city. They gathered there to discuss and plan for 2014. A clothing committee for the women and a construction committee for the men were established. Much was quickly made clear, except for the group's name. A member mentioned having thought about it for a long time and said to himself, "that name will work." "Yes, shouldn't we use that?!" someone else exclaimed. "VG 't Kump Waal" was born! The first year they started with a little trailer and vests bought from C&A. Now they've been building on the chassis of an old gypsy wagon for several years and make the costumes themselves. Looking back on the past six years the group has participated, Sven feels something to be very proud of. They have undergone significant development.
This year they are participating for the 7th time in the Carnival parade in Venlo and Blerick. After a period of not participating for two years, many feel the itch again. Every summer, they organize a BBQ and make the first plans. In the first week of October, the construction season begins. They meet every week until Carnival starts. On the Saturday before Carnival, all friends and family are invited to see the final result and toast (with a coffee or a beer) to all the hard work. Ultimately, they always create something beautiful, which they are immensely proud of. Once they are set up, the group starts walking, and the music plays, our "carnival blood" flows faster. "All those people along the side and out of the windows, and then together with our friends, I just call that 'amazing'."