What a summer

Next week, summer will officially be coming to an end. And I think we in Apeldoorn can look back on a really lovely summer. Because, my word, there was so much to do!

As every year, Stimenz organised a colourful array of activities throughout the city during the entire holiday period. Enjoying some crafts, making things out of fabric, paper or other materials. Live Stratego. Letting off steam on a bouncy castle. Having a coffee together. Bingo. Playing Fortnite in real life.

There was plenty going on in the world of sport too: a whole host of sports clubs offered activities via Sportplein.nl. And if you’d rather watch sport than take part yourself, there was plenty to enjoy as well. The Volleyball Nations League, the Junior Track Cycling World Championships, and the World Pair Driving Championships in Beekbergen.

On 23 August, the major music festival Live in Apeldoorn took place. And – I don’t think anyone missed this – over the weekend of 29–30–31 August: De Opening, the national launch of the cultural season.

What a celebration that was! The whole town was one big festival, with music and theatre on just about every street corner. We were the host town for De Opening, but together with the whole of Apeldoorn, we also showed what we have to offer. And it was impressive.

It was a fitting finale to a vibrant summer, the echoes of which, as far as I’m concerned, will linger for a while yet. Of course I’m proud. Proud of everything, but above all of the tremendous commitment shown by all of you. All those thousands of volunteers and professionals who have worked so hard throughout the summer. To give children who can’t go on holiday an afternoon of arts and crafts. To help athletes realise their ambitions. To show the rest of the Netherlands just what Apeldoorn has to offer.

Dear residents of Apeldoorn: thank you very much. And now here’s to a lovely autumn!

Ton Heerts