LEO Pan-European Picnic 2010

Sopronpuszta, August 19, 1989 – the first opening of the border

Concept for LEO Pan-European Picnic on Monday, August 23, 2010

The background

20 years ago a single event at the border between Austria and Hungary initiated the fall of the Iron Curtain. Though originally only planned as a short, symbolic opening for a binational picnic, this event went out of control and several hundred citizens of the GDR seized this opportunity to illegally cross the border into the West. The Hungarian border patrols, who officially were under orders to open fire, did not intervene. On the following day, the whole world was watching: The impossible had happened...Europe was on the verge of „Getting United“.

The idea of revisiting the Pan-European Picnic

„Uniting People“ is the motto of the LEO EUROPA FORUM, which will take place in August 2010 near this historical place. LEOs from all over Europe, the Mediterranean countries of Africa and Asia, from America as well as other countries will come together for one week in order to experience and share the ideals and principles of the LEO spirit. One of the principal pillars of the LEO movement is the idea of peaceful coexistence – the same idea that united the people of Europe 20 years ago. Next year this European idea will be celebrated anew at the very same site. LEOs from all over the world, LIONS, politicians and citizens from the Austrian and Hungarian border regions will come together in order to celebrate a free, borderless Europe. Therefore, „Uniting People“ as the motto of this LEO EUROPA FORUM is the perfect message to send to Austria, to Hungary, to Europe and to the world. And it will be sent from the perfect location: Sopronpuszta.

Program of the LEO Pan-European Picnic 2010

Presentation about the historical events
In cooperation with the Culture Office of Sopron the participants will learn about the historical events of the summer of 1989 in order to fully understand the importance and symbolism of this recreated picnic.

Speeches at the border crossing Sopronpuszta; guided tour of the area
Contemporary witnesses of the 1989 events will give direct and tangible insights into aspects of the picnic, which could not have been captured by the cameras: Tragedies, fear, bravery, hope and resistance to the political system of that time. Walking along the border and visiting the last remains of the Iron Curtain will create a lasting impression of this important piece of world history.

The Picnic
Besides local history our guests will also experience local gastronomic specialties. Hungarian kettle goulash and Austrian „Schnitzelsemmeln“ will serve as a way to introduce the culinary culture of two nations. The fact that the participants may cross the border at will closes the circle between history, present and future.

Workshops
Another aspect of this subject will be the workshops. Examples include „pioneer“ team games and the project „Pimp my Trabi“, where the participants will color an original Trabant according to our motto.

Group picture „Pimp my watchtower“
As a conclusion to our renewed Pan-European Picnic we are planning a group picture at the last remaining watchtower of the old border fortifications. People from all over Europe holding their national flags will be united at a building that stands for decades of separation – a picture which speaks volumes and which will be remembered for life by all participants.

August 23, 2010 – almost to the day we are celebrating the 21st anniversary of the Pan- European Picnic. This event did not only reunite Austria and Hungary, but in fact the whole world. The renewed Picnic on historical ground will serve as a symbol of unity, showing the similarities without the differences between neighbors, nations and cultures. 2010 in Sopronpuszta.