Handicraft, classic vehicles highlight annual Beda Market

SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany — Butchers from the local Bitburg area offered roasted pork meat at a Beda Market event in 2009. Besides tasting traditional food items, visitors can expect to see handicrafts made by local craftsmen, classic vehicles and much more. This year’s event will take place March 16-18. Stores will open from 1-6 p.m. March 18, which is a Sunday. (U.S. Air Force photo/Iris Reiff/Released)

Handicraft, classic vehicles highlight annual Beda Market

SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany — A man weaves a basket using techniques from decades ago, which are still used by a few local craftsmen throughout the Eifel today, during a Beda Market in 2009. Local trades and businesses will be available at the market presenting their products reaching from traditional food products and handicrafts to classic vehicles and high technical farm equipment. For the first time, a special wellness fair will be incorporated into the many displays and events. This year’s market will take place March 16-18. Stores will open from 1-6 p.m. March 18, which is a Sunday. (U.S. Air Force photo/Iris Reiff/Released)

Handicraft, classic vehicles highlight annual Beda Market

Published March 12, 2012
By Iris Reiff
52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs

SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany -- Weekend shoppers can get a taste of something different March 16-18 at the annual Bitburg Beda Market.
The name Beda is the old Celtic name for Bitburg.
The Beda Market is a community-wide event where townspeople and local businesses present their economic and cultural ways of life.
The market officially opens at 10:45 a.m. March 16; however, most activities kick off at 10 a.m. the next day. During the event, many booths and stores in the pedestrian area will remain open from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. March 17 and from 1 - 6 p.m. March 18, which is a Sunday.
People attending the market can see a variety of classic cars and farm equipment in front of the Beda Haus cultural center in the heart of the community, and in the area behind the Coyote Café on Trierer Strasse.
Visitors can also see handcrafts made by local artisans and enjoy traditional, local food items and beverages at the exhibition tent and vending booths. A small amusement park, sweets, and entertainment will be available for children.
Artifacts will also be on display inside tents and bank lobbies located around the Beda Haus.
For the first time, a special wellness fair will be incorporated into the many displays and events.
Because parking in town will be limited, a free shuttle service to and from the event meets at the Bitburg Annex. It runs back and forth to the events and parking areas starting at 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. March 17-18.