Bitburg invites Sabers to European Folk Festival Published July 7, 2011 By Iris Reiff 52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany -- Bitburg will host the 47th annual European Folk Festival July 8 - 11. Bitburg invites American neighbors to the annual Folk Festival, which attracts thousands of visitors from Germany, Belgium and Luxembourg. According to organizers, more than 60,000 visitors are expected to attend. More than 30 folk-dancing and music groups from more than 15 countries will perform original dances and music. The event is a great opportunity for Americans to experience European culture and take photos of traditional European outfits. Entertainment starts July 8 with a concert by the Queen Revival Band at 8 p.m. at the festival tent. Entry is 10 euros per person. Folk-dancing groups begin performing at 10 a.m. July 9 on Postvorplatz, the pedestrian area in front of Bitburg's main post office. Groups from 11 countries will introduce themselves with traditional music and folk dances. Another event starts at 2:30 p.m. July 9, when teams meet on Triererstrasse to hustle 50-liter beer barrels across a 100-meter course. Winners will be honored at the tent following the contest. A childrens folk festival is scheduled for 3 p.m. July 9 at the festival tent. Starting at 8 p.m. July 9, participating folk groups from Europe and Indonesia will assemble in the tent for dance performances. National anthems from the performers' home countries will be played. There is an entry fee for this event. Activities continue at 11 a.m. July 10 with a concert by the Bitburg City Music Association on Petersplatz. Folk dances and music will also take place at 11 a.m. in front of the post office. A parade of all participants takes palce at 2:30 p.m. July 10. Roads within the city center will be blocked, and there is a small entry fee for the event. Music and folk dances are scheduled at 4 p.m. July 10 in the tent. An international farewell dance and get-together takes place at the tent at 7:30 p.m. July 11. More folk-dancing performances and dance music will occur until late in the evening.