5 things to know about the American Festival in Chièvres

Photo By Jessica Ryan | Air Force Maj. Timothy O'Rourke (left), director of operations for the 424th Air Base Squadron, and Tech. Sgt. Daniel Kim (center), assigned to the 424th Air Base Squadron, sold barbecue during the American Festival, June 17, 2018, in Chièvres, Belgium.  

CHIEVRES, WHT, BELGIUM

08.30.2019

Courtesy Story

U.S. Army Garrison Benelux

CHIÈVRES, Belgium -- The city of Chièvres is hosting its annual American Festival from Sept. 6 to 8. The event is an opportunity for the city neighboring Chièvres Air Base to celebrate its partnership with the American community.

Throughout the weekend, there will be many events and activities for all ages such as live music, food, games and an American market. Here are five things that you need to know about this year’s American Festival:

1. The festival will be in a new location.

This year, for the fifth edition, the festival will be in a new location. The festivities will be held at the city park on Rue du Grand Vivier and across from city hall. The park is the ideal location to enjoy the attractions and entertainment.

2. The first 5K Fun Run/Walk will start at Caserne Daumerie on Sunday morning.

For the first time, U.S Army Garrison Benelux will host, in partnership with the Tourism Office of Chièvres, a free 5K Fun Run/Walk on Sunday, Sept. 8, starting at 10 a.m. The race starts at Caserne Daumerie. The route includes the beautiful sites and landmarks of Chièvres. The event is open to runners and walkers of all levels. All ages are welcome, and strollers are permitted. Registration is required as only the first 150 participants signing up will be able to run in this race. Please email [e-mail] to sign-up. If you or your guests are not U.S. or NATO ID cardholders, please request gate access in your registration email.

3. The Open-Air Cinema is back on Friday night.

This year, the American Festival lasts three days and begins Friday, Sept. 6, with a special screening of Top Gun starting at 8:30 p.m. in the city park. The film will be the French version with English subtitles. Come to the park and bring a chair or blanket for this unique outdoor cinema experience.

4. U.S. Army Garrison Benelux organizations will participate in the event.

U.S. Army Garrison Benelux organizations and units will participate in the event. The firemen from the 424th Air Base Squadron will be at the city park on Sunday from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. with one of their fire trucks. In addition, other units and organizations will set up food stands and show the local community their culinary skills by selling classic American food.

The organizers still have openings for American vendors who sell food, drinks, clothes, accessories or other products. Interested in setting up a booth? Contact the USAG Benelux Public Affairs Office by calling +32(0)68.25.5423.

5. It is a fun-filled weekend of activities.

If the events listed above have not convinced you yet, there are more activities during the weekend. There will be a photo exhibition about the city of Chièvres, carnival games, food trucks, a bouncy castle, an American car display and more. For more information, visit www.otchievres.be.

SCHEDULE:

Friday
- 8:30 p.m.: Open-Air Cinema featuring Top Gun

Saturday
-6 p.m.: Marching Band of the Royale Fanfare Communale of Huissignies
-6 p.m.: Military vehicles from 1940 to 1945
-6:45 p.m.: Postwar Ball with performances from the Jazz Music Orchestra and Skinny Jimmy & the Ghosts
-10:30 p.m.: Party with DJ Boule

Sunday
- From 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.: American Market
- 10 a.m.: 5K Fun Run/Walk starting at Caserne Daumerie
- 10:30 a.m.: Boot Camp
- 11 a.m.: Concert featuring Gad’80
- 2 p.m.: Concert featuring High Jinks Delegation
- 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.: U.S. Forces displays
- 4 p.m.: Concert featuring The King Celebration

By Christophe Morel, USAG Benelux Public Affairs

• Date Taken: 08.30.2019
• Date Posted: 08.30.2019 07:20
• Story ID: 337977
• Location: CHIEVRES, WHT, BE