Traditional "Volksfests" in Germany on the Brink of Collapse?

Germany is still the #1 funfair country in the world. Yet the future of the "volksfest", which was recognised as a cultural asset by German parliament in 2000, is uncertain. Many funfair events are on the brink of collapse. The tense situation is apparently becoming an existential threat to carnies. Compared to the overall turnover for this segment in the year 2001, around four billion euros, only two billion euros were turned over in 2006. (eap)