Anita Höll, that’s the name of the hay artist from Russbach. She is the chairwoman of the HeuART association and is responsible for many of the artistically designed hay figures that start every year at the world’s largest hay figure parade. She is a hay artist from the beginning and unites numerous associations and businesses whose mission in the days leading up to the HeuART Fest is only one: to make a creative hay figure.

The lively Russbacherin never runs out of ideas, so there were from Disney figures to Noah’s Ark or the funny Asterix all kinds of creations from hay. Her favorite figurine was a large eagle that she created for the HeuART Fest in Russbach. The figure was 3.5 m wide and so the door jambs had to be removed to move the figure outside.

400 hours of work for a hay figure

Anita Höll’s tireless commitment and enthusiasm is remarkable! She has already helped to create around 150 hay figures, a feat when you consider that around 400 hours of work go into making them. The trained florist supports the local clubs and businesses in the creation of their hay figure, gives tips and is always available with advice and support. Of course, this year the commitment for Anita as a Russbacher is much more intense, because this year the HeuART festival takes place in Russbach.

HayART festival created by chance

This celebration was born by chance, during a carnival event. At that time, Anita Höll had built a large horse out of hay, which was so well received that it was decided to make something large out of it. The director of tourism at the time knew this immediately and asked her if she could imagine a big festival with hay figures.

Today, the HeuART festival draws thousands of people to the Tennengau each year to watch the spectacle of horses and tractors pulling the elaborate hay creations. This year you can marvel at the famous HeuART parade on September 1st in Russbach | Dachstein West. The whole village is involved in the organization of this festival. The cohesion and club life in Russbach can be felt at every corner.

Attractive program in the Tennengau around the HeuART festival

A week before the festival, there is an interesting hiking program in the region, around the theme of hay. The huts and businesses also come up with a lot, such as a culinary week on the theme of hay in the Edtalmhütte. On the Saturday before the festival, visitors can expect pure alpine pasture feeling with the HeuART Musiroas. At the top of the Russbacher Horn the slow train “Ameisenexpress” is already waiting to take the guests to the rustic huts where the music is playing.

What does Anita like to do most in Russbach?

Anita Höll loves to spend her free time in the mountains. Her favorite mountain is the Bodenberg, the local mountain of Russbach. After a rewarding summit climb with a dream view of the majestic Dachstein with Gosaukamm, as well as the Tennengebirge, she likes to reward herself afterwards with a Almjause in the Rinnbergalm. Where you can find homemade cheese in all variations.

With her grandchild, she also likes to take the Russbacher Hornbahn up to Bruno’s Bergwelt, an adventure playground on the mountain with a stamp rally and adventurous stations, and ride the slow train – Ameisenexpress.

More information about the HayART Festival 2019 in Russbach

Tourist Association Russbach | Dachstein West
Saag 22
5442 Russbach
www.russbach.info
www.heuart.at
office@russbach.info
Tel: +43(0)6242 / 577
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#heuartfest