Fair encourages Eifel exploration

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Daryl Knee
  • 52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
The ninth annual Explore the Eifel fair takes place 9:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. April 19 in the Club Eifel ballroom.

The fair is an information and entertainment exposition where attendees collect information on local travel opportunities and can sign up for German-American community events for May 3-5, 2013.

"Explore the Eifel continues to hold significant meaning to the 52nd Fighter Wing in regards to German-American friendship," said U.S. Air Force Col. David Julazadeh, 52nd FW commander from Chillicothe, Ill. "For base members and newcomers, Explore the Eifel is a chance to learn about the Eifel's tradition. At the same time, it helps U.S. members to better integrate into the local culture."

The fair is an alternate duty location, meaning that wing leadership has authorized base members to be either at the fair or at work. However, event coordinators encourage attendees to visit throughout the day instead of congesting during lunch hours.

Nearly 50 exhibitors are expected to attend and will advertise community events such as local hikes, city tours, wine tastings and other outdoor activities. Different styles of entertainment are also available for all ages. Area mayors and tourism agencies will provide free pamphlets and handouts promoting their villages and services.

"Over long weekends, Americans tend to disappear all across Europe," said German native Bernie Schaefer, 52nd FW community relations advisor and event coordinator. "Explore the Eifel instead offers a view of the different local communities and a chance to build relationships with German neighbors.

"It's not only for newcomers, but for everyone to familiarize themselves with the areas surrounding the base," he continued. "You don't want to miss the opportunity to see what is at your doorstep."

Most of the excursions are centralized within one or two driving hours from the base. Some are as close as the village of Spangdahlem, while others are as far away as Luxembourg or Belgium. Although many of the events are free, some will have a small fee associated, normally between 3 and 10 Euros. Attendees can either pay at the fair with Euros or pay at the start of the excursion.