Bavarian Inn Restaurant’s Glockenspiel Ready for the Holidays

Nov. 5, 2015 - PRLog -- After nearly 50 years of hard work, the Bavarian Inn Restaurant’s (http://www.bavarianinn.com/) Glockenspiel Pied Piper needed a ‘break.’ Now, after a five-month hiatus, he’s back charming guests, just in time for the holidays.

A Memorial Day weekend brownout led to a silencing of the 35-bell carillon at the Glockenspiel Tower. Bavarian Inn Restaurant General Manager Amy Zehnder Grossi said repairs have been completed, and not a moment too soon.

“The Pied Piper’s laryngitis is finally over,” Zehnder Grossi added. “Four times each day since 1967, he told the story of how he led the rats out of Hamelin only to be double-crossed by the Mayor. We reluctantly gave him the summer off, but now it’s time for him to play his flute and carry on with this beautiful Frankenmuth tradition.”

With repairs complicated by the intricacies of not simply replacing but actually restoring the original voice mechanism, electricians first had to repair the structure’s high voltage outlets and panels. When that task was complete, technicians were able to interface the new controls that make the glockenspiel’s music, bells and narrator come to life--performing as they always have.

The Pied Piper legend dates back to 13^th century Germany. To tell the ancient town of Hamelin’s story, the Inn constructed a 50-foot high bell tower. It holds bells cast in Holland and 15 wood-carved figures from Germany. The figures, some as tall as 4 ½ feet, move on four separate tracks across the stage during the story, which unfolds in about 15 minutes.

Just below the movable stage is a large clock face with gold-covered numerals, and hands that are made of copper with leaf-gold covering. Besides the Pied Piper story, the carillon plays a five-bell Westminster chimes on the hour and other tunes.

About Bavarian Inn
Celebrating 125 years of service in 2013, the Bavarian Inn Restaurant has become a Michigan landmark. Generations of diners, lodgers and tourists from around the globe have discovered true Bavarian hospitality thanks to Dorothy and her late husband William “Tiny” Zehnder. Guests experience the old-world European charm of the Bavarian Inn – whether it’s the famous chicken dinners, fresh baked goods or Michigan’s greatest selection of German beer. Bavarian Inn also prides itself on being one of the top consumers of Pure Michigan agricultural products. Nestled within a backdrop of authentic German architecture, a variety of shops and other fun activities, a trip to Frankenmuth would not be complete without a visit to the Bavarian Inn. Learn more at www.bavarianinn.com.

Bavarian Inn online press room: http://www.logos-communications.com/bavarianinn/