The Festival of Ukmerge City – „I Love Ukmerge 2012!”

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The Festival of Ukmerge City – „I Love Ukmerge 2012!”

Category:Events,Events 2012,Articles

On an early and rainy morning of June 2, 2012, members of the Antique Automobile Club „Klasika”, accompanied by friends and associates from Biržai, set off on a long journey. This time the gray trail led us to Ukmerge, which celebrated 220th anniversary since the city was returned the rights of Magdeburg. Ukmergė is one of the oldest towns in Lithuania. In written sources, the town was first mentioned in 1333, which is the official date of its foundation. In Vartbergė Chronicle it is mentioned that in the year, Master of the Livonian Order „was by Vilkenbergė „(i.e. Ukmergė). At that time he attacked the Ukmergė Castle, which was later repeatedly attacked and devastated by the Teutonic Order. Legends, interwoven with historical facts, mention the old name of Ukmergė – Vilkmergė.

The town’s largest and most important event of the year is the Town Festival, which „was born” in 1998 seeking to celebrate and commemorate the date when Ukmergė had its Magderburg Rights back. Since then the festival has grown, and it currently holds dozens of different events. For the first time this year one of the vents was an antique automobile show organized by the Club ” Klasika „. We first arrived at the Ukmergė bus station, then got our show cars in order and, escorted by the police, drove towards the city center. In the Kęstutis Square, city residents and festival visitors were already waiting. We really had something to show to the Ukmergė residents! Many of automobiles that our friends and club members showcased could be labeled as – „the only exhibit in Lithuania.”  We were surprised by „Klasika” Club friends, Martynas Pletkus and Virginijus Burkas, who presented motorcycle „AM” – the only Lithuanian heavy motorcycle, designed and manufactured more than 50 years ago in the „Vienybė” factory in Ukmergė. This motorcycle has an interesting history. It’s design was started before World War II, but it has been completed and tested only during the Soviet era.

Lietuviškas motociklas ,,AM

Lithuanian motorcycle ,,AM”

Motorcycle designer, Anthony Monkevičius, (AM) has never started serial manufacturing of this motorcycle. It is unfortunate, because connoisseurs are still amazed by this motorcycle’s technical solutions and forms.

Thus, the event generated a lot of interest and support from festival guests and townsfolk. Neither cool weather, nor overcast skies and rain could stop it. Guests had an opportunity to be introduced not only to vintage cars and motorcycles, but also to information about the city of Biržai and several Biržai companies, many of which were our sponsors. We handed out brochures about companies such as „Biržai alus”, „Rinkuškės”, „Agaras” and „Biržų duona” as well as an invitation in four languages to attend Biržai City Festival and Antique Car Show, which was to be held on August 4, 2012.

„Klasika” antique automobile show in Ukmerge

After the hustle and bustle of the show declined, it was time to take a break, have lunch and explore Ukmergė. I have to admit that the city is beautiful and well maintained. Ukmergė Municipality and Ukmergė Cultural Center staff members did a great job in assuring that our visit in Ukmergė would be a great one. After admiring the city and the festival, we visited the local history museum, climbed up the former fire tower and looked at the city from above. After the show was over, we said goodbye to the town residents and friends and started on our way to Biržai. Having returned home, „Klasika” Club began preparing for the antique automobile show that is to take place during the Biržai City Festival. Everyone is welcome! Not only the audience but also owners of vintage cars, motorcycles, trucks and other rolling and rotating machinery. You’ll find more information about the show and Antique Automobile Club „Klasika” on our website www.klasika.us See you soon in Biržai!

Photos by Dainius Nagele