Paris, Las Vegas, and Kollum
It is likely that the Frisian village of Kollum (Noardeast-Fryslân) could soon join Paris and Las Vegas in having an Eiffel Tower studding its skyline. Naturally, like the one in Las Vegas, Kollum’s tower would be a replica, but at a projected 29 metres high it would still dominate the local area. As reported by the Omrop Fryslân.
The idea comes from the Stichting Kollumer Oproer, who will organise an ‘Eiffel tower festival’ in June. The tower would be a natural follower to the giant open-air interactive theatrical event ‘Salomon Levy’ that was held in the village last year. The festival would likely commemorate the Napoleonic conquests of the Netherlands in the 19th century.
Bouke Koning, the co-ordinator of the festival said: “what we did last year with our theatrical show Salomon was to look back at the struggle between the ‘French’ side of Kollum and the ‘Oranjegezinde’ side. So, what’s a better symbol of France than the Eiffel Tower? That’s their landmark.”
For a little historical context, Kollum and the area around it in Friesland was put under control by the Napoleonic Kingdom of Holland in 1807, which became the French Empire in 1807. It should be noted that the original Eiffel Tower was designed and built for the World’s Fair in Paris in 1889.
The festival will have more than 15 activities: the village will be split into two for the duration, with one side an ‘Oranjegezinde’ (or Dutch royal-family supporting), and the other a ‘French’ side. Significant work will be put in to make sure that visitors will see a real difference between the two sides. “And maybe the soldiers will even come to blows”, said Koning.
The tower will stand around 29-metres high. “We have to keep safety as a concern”, said Koning. In the coming weeks, the organisation will find out whether it will get the green-light for its new tower.
Image: the original Eiffel tower in Paris. Rights-free image by PickPic
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