It is an idea that the LandKiez association has been pursuing since its foundation: to initiate a farm market on the former Weitzel estate! As part of their NEB_PROJECT, the activists are working to gradually convert the old farm complex with its barns and outbuildings into a communal space. The farm is intended to provide opportunities for self-development, participation, and interaction for both the villagers and those interested in the region and beyond.
A market was the obvious choice—and it paid off. On October 11, 2025, around 350 interested people from the town and surrounding villages came to visit, browse, and buy, striking up conversations with each other and learning about the future of the former estate from the association members. To date, 19 members from the neighborhood, family, and friends of the Held family are involved in LandKiez e. V. They plan, organize, and design, including the first farm market.
A successful start.
The NEB_NETZWERKBÜRO received a report from the association about the 1st farm market, written by Sarah Labusga.
The first farmers' market organized by LandKiez e.V. in Thondorf. A resounding success.
On Saturday, October 11, 2025, the road leading to the Weitzel estate is completely packed with cars. But no one is annoyed about it. On the contrary—there is joy in the air, because the reason for the crowds is the first farm market at the Weitzel estate, organized by LandKiez e. V. It has clearly attracted a large number of people to Thondorf. On this autumnal October Saturday, an idea that has been with the association since its founding has finally been realized—and with great success. ...
Even before the official start at 10 a.m., the first market visitors began to arrive, bringing with them curiosity, a desire to browse, and a thirst for new encounters. It was the perfect mix for a day that saw the courtyard, barn, and former stable filled to capacity. From fresh food to alpaca wool and handmade clothing to jewelry—visitors could browse, marvel, and shop in a wonderful atmosphere. A real eye-catcher among the stands was the one with turned figures, where visitors could even watch the artist at work and be inspired. There was even more on offer for art lovers: various wood reliefs, linocuts, paintings, and graffiti were on display and available for purchase. As if these works of art had always been there, they gave the old walls of the former stable a special flair. And anyone who felt like having a chat with familiar faces from Thondorf or getting to know curious visitors from Klostermannsfeld, Benndorf, or other surrounding villages was in the right place here.
At the same time, the event was a good opportunity to talk to the members of LandKiez e. V. and learn something about the association. They were everywhere, of course, whether representing the association as salespeople behind a stand, offering crafts for children, or manning the grill. The association members had been busy for days and weeks before October 11. There was a lot to do to make the market possible. First and foremost, producers had to be found who were willing and able to offer their goods. In addition, there was still some work to be done on the farm. A lot of organizing and hard work went into getting the barn ready for the market, filling potential mud holes in the courtyard with gravel in time, and creating a cozy atmosphere in the barn with soft lighting. The motivated members of LandKiez e. V. got stuck in.
Karoline and Christian Held, who live on the farm and are on the association's board, were relieved to see how well the range of stalls was received by the approximately 350 visitors. Not least because all the products were of very high quality and, without exception, regional. It was also particularly nice to see how much people enjoyed spending time on the farm grounds during the market.
"When planning and organizing an event like this, I always imagine lots of people coming and having a good time together and bringing this place to life. A lot of heart and soul and work goes into the preparation. But you only know if it will really turn out that way and be well received when the time comes—that's exciting, of course, and you always hope it will be a success," says Karoline Held. The farm market was a success, that's for sure! Not only because the farm was quickly filled to capacity and the joy of browsing was clearly evident. It was also a successful day for the stallholders. Visitors bought a lot, ensuring that it was also financially worthwhile for the stallholders. The best proof of this was certainly the baker, who had little more than the last crumbs on the cake tray left at the end of the day.
There were clearly plenty of sweet tooths around. Their discerning palates not only enjoyed the cake, but were also in demand at the jam competition. This took place alongside the market activities and was cleverly organized. At the start, participants were able to bring along their best jam creations. The 32 jars submitted, containing all kinds of fruit spreads, were wrapped, numbered, and distributed among the stands. Visitors were able to taste the jams while walking around, equipped with small pieces of bread, and then award points. Finally, a woman from Thondorf was crowned Jam Queen in a festive ceremony with the presentation of a gift. Marie Wagner from LandKiez e. V. is also delighted, saying, “It's just great that it worked out – the jam competition, the market bustle, and everything else. Everyone had a good time here. And I'm very impressed by how many people came here from villages further away and made a special trip. It's a great pleasure!”
All in all, it was a very successful day that is already calling for a repeat.
Fotorechte: © Robert Müller
