7 & 8 september 2025
7 & 8 september 2025
Nothing lasts forever. Once brand new, shiny, and clean, now at the end of its life, worn out, dirty, and rusty: after years of loyal service, the robot of hamlet Wernhout is “Decommissioned” The end of the road has come for this helpful hand. But before the robot lets out its last breath, it is given one final round through Zundert. With all their might, they try to keep this faithful servant functioning. Despite the creaks and groans. Despite the fits and starts, complete with wheelchair, guide robot dog, batteries, and chargers. According to the designers, this float could very well close the parade, though that is not their preference. Stef: “Preferably with quiet floats before and after it, though.”
“Decommissioned” is a true Wernhout float, according to the designers. Bram: “It’s a float with maximum dimensions, with a small float in front, requiring a lot of work, and consisting of many separate parts.” The challenge is considerable by Wernhout standards: the robot will be equipped with moving parts (both hydraulic and manual), smoke, and possibly even light effects, figures, dried flowers, alternative materials, and a sound track. Roy: “Everything should indicate that it could all end at any moment.” Bram: “That’s why it might fit Wernhout the best: everyone can do what they want.”
Since the presentation, the enthusiasm within the community has been significantly ignited. On the evenings when the designers worked on the model, there was always someone there to help. Stef: “And that motivates us too, and that’s ultimately what you do it for the most.”
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Stef Foesenek (25) and Bram Damen (27) have been designing together for years. Their first design was built in 2019 (“The Big Five“). “Decommissioned” is the thirteenth idea they’ve ever submitted, but the fourth design to be built. Roy Aernouts (26) joined in 2021. For him, this is his third design. Stef moved to Eindhoven for love (but gladly returns for the parade) and works there as an HR advisor. Bram is a carpenter at a local construction company, and Roy is a facilities coordinator in Tilburg.
Original Dutch Text: Jeroen Vriends
Translation: Saskia Molema
Photo: Luzanne Foesenek
Hamlet Wernhout
www.buurtschapwernhout.nl
This article is brought to you by Corsief. An independent magazine about corsos in general and the Zundert flower parade in particular. The magazine is produced entirely by volunteers, who are all more or less active in the Zundert flower parade world. Corsief is entirely full-colour and appears four times a year.