Editing Ommen (section)

===Bissing===
{{Unreferenced section|date=December 2015}}
[[File:bissingh.jpg|thumb|Former [[burgomaster]] {{Ill|Arend ten Oever|nl}} ([[Christian Democratic Appeal|CDA]]) opening the 2006 Bissing]]

Ommen is famous for its ''Bissing'' [[fair]] and [[market (place)|market]]s. These yearly markets have been organised on the second Tuesday of July since at least 1557. The Bissing lasted three days from Monday till Wednesday. Its success was based on the wide array of products on offer and a relaxation of [[excise]]s and regulation on alcoholic consumption, attracting merchants and consumers to Ommen from far and wide. In the 19th century it became one of the main markets in the province of [[Overijssel]], and there would often be [[Brawling (legal definition)|brawl]]s and [[riot]]s. In 1918, the council of [[Dutch Reformed Church]] asked the town council to end the public events surrounding the Bissing for moral reasons. The town council complied and the Bissing activities were suspended until 1958, although the market continued.

Nowadays the Bissing has become a major [[tourist attraction]], lasting for five consecutive Wednesdays after the initial market and comprising a wide array of ceremonies, fairs, concerts, funfairs and activities.

The [[etymology]] of the word ''Bissing'' is widely discussed. Some believe it is derived from 'Bishop's day', in recognition of the granting of Ommen's town rights, whilst others believe the Low-Saxon word is related to the English word ''business''.