21 companies – from high-tech manufacturers to craftsmen – opened their doors on 28 October as part of a trade show. It was a matter of course for us to be part of this event, which was organised by the Bad Waldsee Business Forum.
At 11 a.m. sharp, Mayor Matthias Henne gave the starting signal and invited the people of Waldsee to spend a whole day exploring the local companies. “I am very proud of the diversity we have here in Bad Waldsee. This will certainly be an exciting day,” said Mayor Henne in his opening speech.
And the head of the town not only called on people to set off, but also took a seat with his children on the free shuttle bus that connected the individual companies. The first stop on the Lord Mayor’s tour was SaluVet, where there was no stopping the children in the foyer. Life-size models of a horse and a cow attracted the attention of the children and were stormily conquered. The Henne family grouped around the models, beaming and visibly enjoying their time together.
In fact, the cow and horse turned out to be real eye-catchers during the trade show. However, another station in the administration building was in no way inferior to the animal exhibits in terms of attractiveness and resonance: Herbal salt to mix yourself. A wide variety of herbs and spices were prepared in dried form at a table that was constantly surrounded by visitors: Oregano, thyme, garlic, onion and hot chilli. Together with coarse-grained sea salt, they used their muscle power with a mortar and pestle to create marvellous individual mixtures. “This will be a Christmas present for my mum,” said 11-year-old Manuel, for example, delighted with the result, which he filled into a pretty little glass bottle.
Herbs and medicinal plants were not only the centre of attention at the trade show in their dried form. During guided tours through the medicinal herb garden, SaluVet herb expert Martina Schenk provided insights into the world of phytotherapy and the effects of the individual plants. And some people were able to pick up a tip for the upcoming cold season: Thyme tea is really great. Martina Schenk explained during the guided tour that it would not only relieve stuck coughs, but also strengthen the immune system as a preventative measure.
Salvia – a herbal liqueur made according to a recipe from the Schaette family – was certainly invigorating for some. Many a visitor enjoyed a glass of it before continuing on. After all, there were 20 other innovative companies on the programme.
