‘Bier city’ of Bitburg holds annual Beda market

SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany -- Butchers from Bitburg offered roasted pork meat at a Beda Market event in 2009. Besides tasting traditional food items, visitors can expect to see crafts made by local craftsmen, classic vehicles and much more. This year's event will take place March 15-17. Stores will open from 1-6 p.m. March 17, which is a Sunday. (U.S. Air Force photo by Iris Reiff/Released)

‘Bier city’ of Bitburg holds annual Beda market

Published March 14, 2013
By Iris Reiff
52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs

SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany -- For the 34th time in history, the Bitburg annual Beda market will open its doors to visitors from all over the Eifel area, the Trier region and the country of Luxembourg, March 15-17.

If weather permits, about 80,000 people are expected to arrive for this year's event at which more than 150 exhibitors will present their products and services.

Among the offers will be vehicle displays, where local car dealers will introduce latest models and editions; handcraft business displays; an art and trade show; a book flea market; and a health and wellness fair. Travel agencies will be on hand to provide information. People can also enjoy seeing some entertainment, to include hip hop dances or Zumba fitness performances.

Sales booths will be set up inside and outside large exhibition tents, at local banks and in the streets of the center. Because of the annual Beda market, stores will open at 1 p.m. Sunday, March 17. A small amusement park will be set up outside the "Haus Beda" cultural center.

For those people who wish to shop for local Eifel products, to include fresh fruits, salads, meats and vegetables, a farmer's market can be found inside Bitburg's farmer market hall, located off Trierer Strasse. Also, homemade cakes and coffee will be offered inside the farmer's hall at small cost during the afternoon hours.

All exhibitions and entertainment will occur from noon to 6 p.m. March 15, and from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. March 16-17. In order to avoid the stress of having to find parking in the crowded center of the Bier city, a Park&Ride shuttle service is offered throughout the event from the former Bitburg Flugplatz area. Cost is 3 Euro per person and money will be refunded at local stores when purchasing an item.

For more information on the Beda market, available in the German language, visit http://www.beda-markt.de.