Be part of local Fasching event Published Feb. 1, 2013 By Iris Reiff 52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany -- Once again, the city of Bitburg invites base members to help the mayor defend City Hall at 11:11 a.m., Feb. 7, during the "Storming of the Rathaus." During this event local ladies dress up and fight for the symbolic key to the city. Once the ladies seize the key, they are in charge of the town for that day. Anyone interested in supporting the mayor as a defender, can contact the base community relations office at 452-7161 or 06565-61-7161. Observers are also welcome. In most German cities and towns, including Bitburg, Wittlich and Speicher, it is a tradition for the ladies to 'capture' the local Rathaus or city hall and take over the city key from the mayor on Fat Thursday at 11:11 a.m. Typically, a band plays special Fasching music and the women serve beverages and traditional Fasching treats. Other Fasching events in the local area include: Rose Monday parades, Feb. 11 Binsfeld, 4:11 p.m., Fasching fun and entertainment following at the town hall afterwards. Altrich, 2:11 p.m., starting from the local fire station. Dreis, 2:11 p.m., with music by the "Cash Family" band following at the hall, entry costs 3 Euros. Landscheid, 2:11 p.m. Gladbach, 2:11 p.m. Hupperath, 2:11 p.m., with entertainment following at the community hall, no entry cost. Minderlittgen, 2:11 p.m. Osann, 3:11 p.m., with dance music following at the community hall, no entry cost. Other parades Bitburg, 2:11 p.m., Feb. 10, parade through the city with music at the city hall following. Wittlich, 2:11 p.m., Feb. 10, parade through the city with entertainment at local pubs. Arenrath, Feb. 1, 13th men's ballet event and live music all night. Feb. 13, 2:11 p.m., childrens' parade in Arenrath. Feb. 9, 2:11 p.m. Burg parade. Feb. 2, 8:11 p.m., Minderlittgen parade with doors opening at 7 p.m. Feb. 19, Platten parade. Feb. 9, 3:11 p.m. Klausen, Fasching parade. Feb. 1, 8:11 p.m. Klausen, Dance Festival. Feb. 2, 6:30 p.m., Rivenich night parade with fun and music following at the community hall. Feb. 2, 8:11 p.m., Speicher Kappensitzung Fasching poke session. Feb. 2, 8:11 p.m., Salmrohr parade. Feb. 7, 7:11 p.m. Klausen Ladies Fasching with prize masquerade ball. Feb. 9, afternoon, Speicher parade.