European folk festival this weekend Published July 11, 2014 By Iris Reiff 52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs Office BITBURG, Germany-- -- This weekend, Bitburg will celebrate its European Folk Festival today through Monday with a variety of different events, featuring many folk dancing ensembles from Europe and other continents - all participants will be dressed in their traditional outfits, representing their own country and region - will entertain visitors from far and near with traditional folk dances and music. This festival typically attracts thousands of people, who flock into the famous beer city for four days straight. A highlight of each year's festival is certainly the traditional beer keg rolling contest of Bitburg. Participants hustle 50-liter beer barrels down a 100-meter course. Winners will be honored at the tent following the contest. This is a fun event to watch and sometimes, a few members from the base also participate. Time is at 2:30 p.m. July 12 on Triererstrasse. Starting at 8 p.m. July 12, all participating folk groups from 11 countries will officially march into the tent for dance performances. This is a long but also enjoyable event for those people who enjoy folk dancing. There is a small entry fee to this event. A real highlight of the European Folk festival is always a parade of all participants through the streets of Bitburg on Sunday, July 13. The event will take place at 2:30 p.m. Roads within the center of the city will be blocked off for traffic and a small entry fee is usually raised for the event. Dances, to include childrens' performances will continue throughout the weekend in the pedestrian area and other well known spots of the city. A small carnival will be set up at Beda Platz. A special show, dances and music will occur from 4 p.m. until night time at the festival tent. There is a small entry fee to this event. Activities will come to an end with an international dance evening and get-together at the tent at 7:30 p.m. July 14. The annual European Folk Festival in Bitburg is a great way to experience European culture right here in the Eifel. Bitburg invites base members to join in the activities. The Bitburg Folklore festival is also a great way for Americans to see and enjoy traditional, European outfits.