Tilburg Kermis Sees Fourth-Generation Family Take the Reins

The Moonen family, long-time operators at the Tilburg kermis, the largest fair in the Benelux region, are passing the torch to their fourth generation as Niek Moonen, 47, oversees the installation of a new attraction called the Jester. Niek recently completed construction on the ride, a modern thillride, and purchased it specifically for his 21-year-old son, Niek.

The family has been a fixture at the kermis since 1938, when the current patriarch’s grandfather began offering pony rides. Moonen’s transition comes after a challenging period.

Two years ago, he weighed 123 kilograms and began a weight loss journey. Following an accident at another kermis where a 14-year-old girl was injured on one of his rides, and a subsequent diagnosis of stage four stomach cancer, his health deteriorated.

However, chemotherapy proved effective, and he was able to secure the Jester from China. The family’s dedication to the kermis, and to each other, is central to their legacy.

The Jester, assembled with the help of numerous volunteers, represents a continuation of that tradition. The kermis attracts between one and 1.5 million visitors over ten days.