Bamberg's mayor auctions off unwanted Christmas presents!

On December 30, 2024, the “Market of Long Faces” took place at the Bamberg Adult Education Center, where unwanted Christmas presents were auctioned off. Third Mayor Wolfgang Metzner moderated the event, which started at 10 a.m. in the large hall. Participants were able to hand in their gifts at the adult education center as early as 9 a.m. A special regulation allowed a maximum of two items per person or family to be handed in.

Items dropped off had to be new and in their original packaging, although used gifts would not be accepted. In addition, the minimum value of the items was 40 euros. The auction offering included a variety of items, including board games, works of art and an acupressure mat, which were now set to find a new owner. The aim of the event was to sensibly get rid of gifts that were not well received.

Fundraising campaign for the Child Protection Association

A special feature of the “Market of Long Faces” was the social component. 30 percent of the proceeds from the auction went to the Kinderschutzbund Bamberg e.V., a registered, non-profit organization whose financing is ensured through donations and membership fees. The remaining amount was paid to the donors of the gifts. The child protection association's bank details are: Sparkasse Bamberg, IBAN: DE 10 7705 0000 0578 0154 22, BIC: BYLA DE M 1 SKB.

The “Market of Long Faces” was launched in 2016 and was now taking place for the fourth time after a break due to Corona. The event is extremely popular and offers a fun way to get rid of unwanted gifts while supporting a good cause, as [Wiesentbote] reports. [inFranken] also highlights the importance of the event, which aims to put such gifts to good use.