No less than 85,000 “cashless” cards were issued for the 47th Braderie and the 10th Horlofolies de La Chaux-de-Fonds. The party will take place from Friday 2 to Sunday 4 September.
They can already be collected in around twenty local shops, as well as in Le Locle (Le Sporting, at the swimming pool) in Neuchâtel (Lobby Bar de la Maladière) and in Les Bois (headquarters of the local FC). The participation of traders delights the organizers.
“We get it for free. It is when we pay for the first drink that 5 francs will be deducted,” recalls Pierre-André Stoudmann, chairman of the organizing committee. This commission, the only one, is intended to support the party.
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Banned cash
This card will be the only means of payment accepted in the stands throughout the weekend. To load it, you have to go through your bank account. It doesn’t work with cash.
This means must also “facilitate the life of visitors and stands, in particular with regard to the deposit for the 300,000 reusable cups of the event”, indicate the organizers in a press release this Thursday, August 11.
The map loads online. You must create an account on the event website, (braderie-horlofolies.ch/cahsless) using the sequence of 6 letters written on the card. The amount loaded cannot exceed 500 francs.
“I really wish is that people take the time to do it at home without stress. And when they get to the party, they don’t have to worry about that. That’s why we make them available early enough,” notes Pierre-André Stoudmann.
The cards will also be available during the festival at the organization office on the Espacité square.
Help if needed
During the event, it will be possible to recharge the card with your smartphone, by credit card or Twint on the event website. Those who do not have a credit card or do not use the Twint application, exceptionally, can contact the office.
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“It’s really, if people can’t do it, to help out. The goal is not to have a huge queue. Young people were hired. They will also be on the party to lend a hand. They will be visible with T-shirts on which is written ‘cashless’. But there is nothing simpler,” says Pierre-André Stoudmann. “The recent example of Paléo is reassuring.”
The stands, it should be remembered, will be equipped with card readers free of charge.
After the party, the balance of the card will be refunded via the official website until Friday, September 30.
More info on braderie-horlofolies.ch/cashless