Cologne (dpa / lnw) - Politicians, athletes and artists are also expected in Cologne's Rose Monday procession this year. Among other things, the two founding members of the dialect band Bläck Fööss, Erry Stoklosa and Günther "Bömmel" Lückerath, were there, as the Cologne Carnival Festival Committee announced in a preliminary overview. Friedhelm Funkel, former trainer of 1. FC Köln, is driving in the car of train manager Holger Kirsch, as are several national hockey players.
Coach Steffen Baumgart, managing director Christian Keller and several football players have been announced for the float of 1. FC Köln. Ex-goalkeeper Toni Schumacher is also on a car.
As the festival committee announced, Bundestag President Bärbel Bas (SPD) is also expected in the Shrove Monday procession. From the NRW cabinet, it is Interior Minister Herbert Reul and Homeland Minister Ina Scharrenbach (both CDU).
