City celebrates decades of international friendship while highlighting its growing partnership with Hennef, Germany.

Mayor Ralph Hellmich and the Foley City Council are recognizing October 14, 2026, as Sister Cities International Day, celebrating 70 years of a program dedicated to building international friendships and cultural understanding.

Mayor Hellmich presented a proclamation commemorating the anniversary to Linda Spangrud, executive director of Foley Sister Cities, and Jo Hellmich, chairman of the Foley Sister Cities Board.

Foley’s sister city partnership with Hennef, Germany, began in 2022 and has grown through educational and cultural exchanges. In May 2023, Mayor Hellmich and a delegation from Foley visited Hennef to strengthen the relationship and explore opportunities for collaboration.

Since then, the two communities have organized four student exchanges, an adult exchange and published an international, intergenerational cookbook. These initiatives have provided residents, particularly students, opportunities to experience different cultures and build lasting friendships.

Sister Cities International was established in 1956 following an initiative by President Dwight D. Eisenhower to promote international understanding and peace through community partnerships.

As part of the anniversary celebration, Foley Sister Cities will host its inaugural Oktoberfest Golf Jamboree on Friday, October 23, at GlenLakes Golf Club. The event, sponsored by Riviera Utilities, will include an evening Oktoberfest celebration from 5 to 9 p.m., featuring authentic German food, beverages and live music from a seven-piece German band.

While golf teams are sold out, tickets for the evening celebration are available to the public for $35 per person. Proceeds will support future student exchanges and cultural programs.

Residents can also visit a free Sister Cities exhibit at the Foley Community Library throughout October, featuring photographs, artwork and highlights from the partnership with Hennef.

For event information and tickets, visit www.foleysistercities.com.

For more information on our Sister City, visit https://cityoffoley.org/sister-city/