Last weekend, despite pouring rain and thunderstorms, the replica of the historic Meeran city gate was completed in time for the 850th anniversary celebrations. At an initial preparatory meeting of all associations and schools on 2.3.2023, the principal of the International High School, Kerstin Sommer, approached Mayor Schmeißer and suggested that, in keeping with tradition, a replica of the town gate should be organized for the anniversary. The idea of realizing the artistic design as a joint project with the Meeran schools was already born in the mayor's office. At a town council meeting, Mayor Schmeißer turned to the town councillors for support for the town gate replica. Torsten Eismann from the Meeraner Bündnis agreed to take on the coordination of the project.
The first draft of the city gate was presented with the participation of numerous committed citizens, including Mayor Schmeißer, City Councillor Torsten Eismann, Christian Sommer, Ralf Michel from the construction planning and expert office List & Partner, Uwe Jacob from Gerüstbau Jacob GmbH, HGV Chairman Michael Raubold and others. This design was inspired by Meeran's coat of arms, whose striking towers gave the building its imposing height.
In September 2023, several workshops were held with the art and project managers from the participating schools (Internationale Oberschule, Internationales Gymnasium, Tännichtschule, Goetheschule). In these workshops, details such as fabric selection, color tones, stone shapes and a schedule were determined. Between the Christmas holidays, the Meeraner Bündnis sewed together the fabric panels for the gate in the assembly hall of the grammar school.
At the start of the anniversary year 2024, pupils and teachers began the colorful design of the gate. It was impressive to see how the four schools, each on their own, yet harmoniously coordinated, created a complete work of art.
In the week from May 21 to 24, 2024, the company Gerüstbau Jacob erected the basic structure of the city gate. Just in time for the start of the festival week, the city gate now shines in all its glory thanks to the active support of the Meeraner Bündnis e.V. and many dedicated helpers who covered the gate, built the archway, installed privacy nets and sewed the tower roofs.
We are looking forward to a wonderful week of celebrations and to the gate remaining standing for a long time to come. It was a pleasure to work on this project together with the schools and the Meeraner Bündnis. Our heartfelt thanks go to the Meeraner Bündnis e.V. and all the hard-working pupils and teachers involved.
On June 8 from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m., guard processions and changing of the guard will be performed by the Gräflich Schönburgische Schlosskompanie Glauchau. A special highlight will be the re-enactment of a historical photo from the town's anniversary in 1974, together with Mr. Pfitzner from the Reiterhof. Come along and experience an unforgettable celebration with us!
Meerane, we celebrate you - here's to the next 850 years!
K. Sommer - Headmistress IGM
