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FAQ's
Q: Why do you call the street festival FOLSOM EUROPE? There isn't even a Folsom Street in Berlin.
A: That's right, but we've modeled ourselves after the example of New York and their street festival is also called Folsom and there is no Folsom street in this city, either.
Folsom is more than just a street name, it is a symbol for a leather event under the open skies.
Q: Why did you choose the first weekend of September for the event?
A: Traditionally June and July are reserved for Christopher Street Day celebrations throughout Germany. August brings Amsterdam Pride and the "Ledertreffen" in Hamburg*. Therefore we have decided to hold FOLSOM EUROPE in the beginning of September so that there is enough time between the Hamburg Ledertreffen and the Octoberfest in Munich; thereby not overlapping any of these other events.
Q: Why are you holding FOLSOM EUROPE in Fugger and Welser Streets?
A: Well, traditionally Schöneberg is the home of the leather scene in Berlin and additionally there is a big fetish scene in the Prenzlauer Berg area. It has been a pleasure for us to work together with both communities and from the beginning we have received a great deal of support from the businesses around Fugger Street.
The area around Motz Street is already home to the gay and lesbian street festivals. It made sense when getting the official approvals not to hold two street festivals in the same street.
Q: Is the city supportive of this event?
A: Absolutely. We have received tremendous support from the both the commercial and non commercial sectors of Berlin: from the Office of the Mayor and the Berlin Tourism Office. They have all supported us from the very first day.
Q: What is actually behind FOLSOM EUROPE?
A: Well, the idea was born in the Summer of 2003. Two leathermen (from Berlin and Bonn) had the original idea for the Festival. They passed it around the German leather scene at the Mr. Leather Contest in Hamburg in October 2003 and quickly found plenty of interest. Shortly afterwards they obtained the official licensing rights and web domains and then registered the club and its plans in the city register. The club which was started is made up of private leathermen who work actively in the organization rather than a commercial group.
Q: Can I also become a member or help with the street festival?
A: Sure, a private individual of legal age, without commercial interest or intent, can gladly join us as a member. We do expect active participation from our members towards with regards to the festival, but of course that is within reasonable expectations and boundaries. And… our membership only costs 20€ per year.
Who just wants to volunteer without becoming a member just write directly to helfer@folsomeurope.com
Q: Does the club have any full time, paid employees?
A: No, we are organizing a charity which means we want the majority of the money to go towards that. Therefore, we will do without any paid employees for at least the first 5 years or as long as the event stays within a manageable level. Of course some of the volunteers will receive a little compensation for their efforts when appropriate, but this will be handled according to sponsorship rules.
Q: Who actually decides which charities will receive the proceeds?
A: That is up to the general meeting. It gladly accepts suggestion from fellow members of the general meeting and also from third parties. What is most important is that the beneficiaries do support work or preventative work in the area of HIV/AIDS. The club has made these issues a priority.
Q: Does the scene need yet another organization?
A: Well, FOLSOM EUROPE is the only festival of its kind in Europe; up 'til now there has been no other leather/fetish community street festivals. Due to the increase in low budget airlines and affordable travel we think that FOLSOM EUROPE is uniquely situated to take its place along side other great European festivals.
Q: Who can actually participate in the street festival as an exhibitor?
A: All commercial and non-commercial enterprises which promote the leather/fetish scene, etc are welcome. Non-commercial groups who wish to offer information will not have to pay for a booth. Food stalls will be operated by local businesses from the Berlin gastronomical scene.
Q: What is Dore Alley, also known as Up Your Alley?
A: Dore Alley is the so called "little brother" of Folsom Street Fair which is held two months beforehand and is also organized by the San Francisco organization which hosts Folsom Street Fair. It is best known at this time in the USA.
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