Antwerp (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Due to a heatwave (36°C), the Sinksenfoor in Antwerp opens later (6 p.m., Mon–Wed). Jean-François Vlasselaerts says heat at Spoor Oost exceeds 40°C; the city gives free water.
AS VRT News reported, because of the ongoing heatwave, the people who organise the Sinksenfoor at Spoor Oost in Antwerp have changed the fair’s opening hours for the next few days. Normally, the fair starts at 4 p.m. on Mondays and Tuesdays, and even earlier at 2 p.m. on Wednesdays. But this week, the weather is expected to be very hot, with temperatures around 36°C in the shade. That is why the fair will now open later, at 6 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday.
According to officials, the change was made because of the extreme temperatures at Spoor Oost, where the ground has been paved over with concrete and the majority of the attractions at the fair are made of metal.
These surfaces heat the space much more than what is beamed down from the weather reports. Jean-François Vlasselaerts, who is the chairman of the Association of Belgian Fairground Travellers, said that it can easily get hotter than 40°C at the fairground.
What is Sinksenfoor doing to keep visitors safe during the heatwave?
According to officials, the organisers want to keep everyone safe, especially kids, older people, and the staff who work there all day. High heat can cause health problems, and some of the rides can get hot. By opening later, they hope everyone will have a better time, enjoying the lights and music in the cooler evening.
Jean-François Vlasselaerts, who runs the Association of Belgian Fairground Travellers, says this has been happening more and more. He says people prefer to visit the fair when it’s cooler. He added that it’s better to enjoy the fair than get sunburned, and it is not fun for mothers with strollers in the sun.
“In my barbecue stall, it quickly gets warmer than 50 degrees. That is warm, yes, but in the summer we all want to barbecue.”
Jean-Francois Vlasselaerts
1 person who runs a grill says it can get over 50 degrees where they work when it’s 36 degrees in the shade. They still like it and change their hours to help customers. The city of Antwerp is giving out free water, and there’s a first aid place for anyone who gets too hot. Everyone is working together to make sure people can still have fun at the fair during the heat.
