Bitburg invites Sabers to 45th European Folk Festival Published July 10, 2009 By Iris Reiff 52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany -- Once again the town of Bitburg will become the site for a famous international event, the 45th annual European Folk-Festival, July 10-13. According to organizers, more than 60,000 visitors are expected to attend the three-day event there will be more than 30 folk-dancing and music groups from 10 different countries and performing original dances and music. Entertainment starts July 10 with a concert by The Gentlemen of Sound from 8 p.m. on at the festival tent byfor the younger crowds. There is a 17 Euro entry fee to the concert. The city welcomes folk dancing groups at 10 a.m. July 11 on Postvorplatz, the pedestrian area in front of Bitburg's main post office. Groups will introduce themselves with traditional music tunes and folk dances. A popular event starts off at 2:30 p.m. July 11, when teams meet on Triererstrasse to hustle 50-liter beer barrels down a 100-meter course. Winners will be honored at the tent following the contest. A children's' folk festival is scheduled for 3 p.m. July 11 at the festival tent. Starting at 8 p.m. July 11, all participating folk groups from across Europe, China and Venezuela will march into the tent and assemble for dance performances. There is also an entery fee for this highlight event. There is an entry fee to this event. Folk dances and music will also occur at 9 p.m. July 11 in front of the post office and on Petersplatz. Activities continue at 11 a.m. July 12 with an early morning concert by the Bitburg City Music Association on Petersplatz. Folk dances and music will also occur at 11 a.m. in front of the post office. Another feature of the European Folk festival is the participants' parade through the Bitburg streets. This event takes place at 2:30 p.m. July 12. Roads within the center of the city will be blocked off. Music and folk dances will occur at 4 p.m. July 12 at the tent and again at 9 p.m. in the area in front of the post office and on Petersplatz. A Caribbean Night is scheduled for 8 p.m. that night 12 at the festival tent. Entry to this event is 3 Euros. At 8 p.m. July 13, an international dance evening and get-together will starts at the tent. The dancing performances and music last until late into the night. The village of Bitburg invites their American neighbors to join the festivities and a great opportunity for Americans to experience European culture.