Wittlich Pig Fest this weekend Published Aug. 13, 2014 By Iris Reiff 52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany -- Legend has it that Wittlich was once a walled fortress constantly under attack by invaders. One evening, a guard charged with locking the gate to the besieged town couldn't find the peg to secure the fortified door. All he could find was a large carrot to wedge in the door. Later, a pig ate the carrot, the gate opened and the enemies came in. After the town was ransacked, the angry townspeople herded every pig into the town's market square and roasted them. Since then, Wittlich has been known as the town of the pig burners. To commemorate the event, Wittlich residents hold an annual pig festival, with this year's beginning Aug. 15 and ending Aug.18. Aug. 15 The annual play re-enacting the legend is scheduled for 9:30 p.m., Aug. 15 at the Wittlich Stadtpark or city park. Prior to the play, a local gun club will fire off some salute shots at about 9:15 p.m. As a highlight, a torch light procession will follow the play and march into the market square to signify the opening of the pig burner's festival. Aug. 16 Wittlich's annual pig festival officially opens Aug. 16 at 2:30 p.m. immediately after the first pigs arrive in the market place via a horse-drawn wagon. The first pigs will then be roasted on spits, and Schweinebraten, or barbecued pork, will later be ready to be enjoyed by 3:30 p.m. Visitors can buy tickets to exchange for pork. Tickets for Schweinebraten cost four Euros, may be purchased at the tourist information office's window in the market square, not far from the pork food stand. The market square will be crowded the evening of Aug. 16, and people usually dance, sing and listen to live music from the stage. Wine stands will open and musical entertainment by the Wittlich brass band will take place from 3-6 p.m. in the main market square. The Hupperath music association will perform a concert on Pariser Platz from 3-5 p.m. A craftsmen's market on the city's Lieserplatz stay open during all festival days. The market is open on Aug 15-16. from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., and Aug. 17-18 from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. The SWR3 Band with Stefanie Tuecking and Sebastian Mueller will entertain visitors from 9 p.m. in the city's main market square while the 24th Frame band will perform from 9:45 p.m.until 12:45 a.m. on Pariser Platz stage. Music will end about 1 a.m. the next day. Aug. 17 Activities continue Aug. 17 with musical performances by various local bands, starting around 11 a.m. until 1 a.m., Aug. 18. A jazz concert by the Mark-Schelzke-Quartet is scheduled from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Pariser Platz. Jimmy Beat "unplugged" will entertain from 9 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. on Pariser Platz. The Gerd-Blume-Show will take place from 10:30 p.m. until 1 a.m. in the city's main market square. Schweinebraten will be available again from noon until midnight. On Aug. 17, there will be a public wine probe on the festival's ferry wheel and a 15-minute-long "Lasershow" from 9:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. at Ottensteinplatz. Arriving during the afternoon on Aug. 17 is typically a good time to bring children and walk throughout the festival area. For people who plan to bring children, know that the city is crowded and alcohol is consumed at this festival. It is not recommended to bring small children in strollers. Aug. 18 The annual Wittlich pig burner's festival continues Monday, Aug. 18, with additional concerts by local bands. Schweinebraten will be available at noon. The New Generation will be on stage from 9 p.m to 12:30 a.m. in the main market square. RoxxBusters will perform from 9:15 p.m. until 12:45 a.m. on Pariser Platz. An amusement park offers more than 60 rides and game stands throughout the festival. Although the pig festival officially comes to an end late Aug. 18, the amusement park and food stands remain open from 1-7 p.m., Aug. 19, when Wittlich offers a family day with reduced prices for everyone. Visitors to the pig festival can also see an art exhibition at the Rathaus, or city hall. During the festival, traffic will be blocked from the town center, because all celebrations occur either in the market square or close to the center of town. Free parking is available at Parkplatz Rommelsbach at 54516 Wittlich, which is about a five-minute walk to the city center. While this article mentions some events and concerts, other entertainment and performances may occur. For more information on the Wittlich Sauebrenner Kirmes, contact the Wittlich city administration at 06571- 146620 or 146614, between Aug. 14-19. E-1 to E-4 Airmen can sign up for a free ride and entrance to the Pig Fest on Saturday at the Coffee Mill (open Thursday 7:30-10 p.m. and Friday 7-11 p.m.). The bus will depart at 11 a.m. from the basketball court behind the chapel and return by 5 p.m..