If Carlsberg did a clean the mountain project...

…it would probably be the BEST IN THE WORLD!

If you remember the Carlsberg ads about being the best in the world then it will make complete sense. If not, here’s an example.

The Pirinsko brand in Bulgaria is owned by Carlsberg, so it made sense for them to set up their project to clean up the Pirin Mountains. It made even more sense for them to offer free beer and some of their branded merchandise for participants 😁 .

Yesterday, there were two locations in Bansko where you could help with the project: at the Eco Park entrance and at Banderitsa Hut. The project is continuing in Bansko next Saturday (17th) at Banderitsa Hut and Demyanitsa Hut, so if you missed out don’t worry: there is another opportunity to help out and get something in return.

After that, Saturday 31st of August will be the final opportunity in Bansko (just at the Eco Park). More information about the project and dates, etc are available here.

Note: this wasn’t my original intro story: it was about the recent robbery in town. Didn’t hear about it? All details are below in the local/municipality news section 😉 

Inside the Notice Board Group

✍️ 74 New Posts, 💬 405 Comments, 👍️ 2,467 Reactions

Buying Raspberries and Finding Worms
Do you buy fruit & veggies from the local market? Yetti did and found some white worms in her raspberries. Find out what advice others had for her.

The Dumping of Waste is to be Banned
Kevin posted that the local municipality is planning to ban the dumping of anything other than household waste around bin areas. This might mean you can’t leave metal items (like washers etc) to be collected by the “Bansko fairies”. We’re still waiting for the official announcement by the municipality.

Exploring & Hiking in Banya/Rila
When she comes back to Bansko later this year, Alison wants to explore a different part of the local area. A few people offered their opinions of hiking around Belitsa, Rila and Yakoruda. Take a look if you’re interested.

Where To Hire An E-Bike
Jason asked where the best places in town are to hire an e-bike. He previously rented from a local company, but they have chosen to discontinue that service. Find out what the suggestions were.

Join the FB group here.

Local/Municipality News

Woman Robbed While Walking in Bansko

On Friday 2nd of August, a woman was walking home alone when a 37-year-old male stopped her and demanded she hand over the money she had on her (2,500BGN). It was in the area of Billa/roundabout. He was arrested by Bansko’s finest officers the following Monday (5th), charged, and the file was put forward by the prosecutor. Bansko is one of the safest places many people have lived in and these instances are very rare. More info (translation required).

The Hub is Closed Until December

The Hub in Bansko has decided to close for the rest of the summer and won’t be opening until December. So, if you were looking forward to their 2-for-1 cocktails, karaoke nights, and reasonably priced drinks then you’ll need to wait a few more months.

Pivoteka Celebrates Their Second Birthday

On Thursday, Pivoteka Craft Mountain Beer Base celebrated its second birthday. Many people turned up and received a complimentary glass of prosecco from the team. If you’re a big craft beer drinker then you might be interested to hear that Liquid Cocaine (a 9% beer from Hungary) is back on draft [they had this on when they first opened two years ago].

Former Army Barracks To Be Developed

Twelve years ago, the Ministry of Defence transferred the former barracks to Bansko. The total area is over 200,000 acres, with a sports hall, fitness centre, spa, stadium, medical centre, parking for 700 cars, a swimming pool, a skate park, tennis courts, and some other things planned to be built. Most of this is still in the planning/initial stage, but it seems as though many things are going through the approval process. Read more about it here (translation required). I do wonder if it will take another twelve years for things to be built though…

Banderitsa 1 & 2 Lifts Close

It looks as though Banderista 1 & 2 lifts on the mountain had their last operational day today. They should now be closed until the start of the winter season (although if they spontaneously open don’t be surprised, this is Bansko). However, the Gondola will be in continuous movement from 8am to 4pm, every day, until 8 September. More info.

Supporting Local Charities

Three local charities do great work in Bansko and surrounding areas. Let’s support them: click/tap on their name below to donate (if everyone subscribed to the Bansko Buzz sent a few leva we’d be sending a few thousand their way).

Sunflower
They continuously support the four safety homes in Bansko, the dementia home in Mesta, and the Sdravetz Centre for people with special needs. They are currently focusing support for 20-25 elderly vulnerable adults living on their own and in need of upgrades, food and warmth.

Bansko Street Dogs
They help street dogs in Bansko and the surrounding areas through emergency care, neutering, flea & tick treatment, and setting up kennels/feeding stations to keep streeties warm, dry and well-nourished. They are currently inundated with many litters of puppies being dumped in Bansko.

Mountain Rescue Service
They are always there to help if you become injured or have difficulties on the mountain. Made up mostly of volunteers, they’ll respond to a call 24/7, hiking to rescue a person no matter what the weather. They rely on donations to update their equipment and to rent RECCO tracking gear (RECCO helps them locate people).

Events Next Week

Street Dogs Pub Quiz
BSD’s pub quiz is back after a short break. It’s on Monday 7.30pm at 4Directions with entry fees and 10% of all revenue going to the local charity. Lots of fun to be had and people to meet. More Info.

The Festival of Bulgarian Pop Music 15-17 August
From Thursday until Saturday, there are a number of Bulgarian pop music performer taking to the stage in Bansko, including BG Duet (15th), the band Horizon (16th) and Yordanka Hristova (17th). All start at 8pm. More info.

Demostration of Local Trade & Handcrafts
Outside of the Tourist Information Center between 5pm and 7pm, demonstrations by local trade and handcrafts continue. On Friday, it will be wood carving and on Saturday it will be crochet (including live folk music between 6pm and 6.30pm on Saturday only).

Escape From Reality Art Exhibition
Mariana Stefanova brings her Escape from Reality abstract art exhibition to Bansko town. This takes place on Saturday 11am to 7pm, Sunday 10am to 2pm, Monday 9am to 6pm, and Tuesday 9am to 6pm: at the Tourist Information Center in Bansko.

Weather Forecast

As expected, the forecast wasn’t 100% accurate last week: we had a thunderstorm on Friday afternoon! We recommend the MeteoBlue weather app but forecasts aren’t always 100% accurate and can change as the days get closer.

Before You Go…

Know someone who should be reading the Buzz? Forward this email to them or send them the subscribe link.

Want to add an event or news item to next week’s Buzz?

—
Nick
Publisher, Bansko Buzz