For Immediate Release

Contact: Heather Adams or Udo Fluck

heather@artsmissoula.org
udo@artsmissoula.org
(406) 541-0860

Germanfest presented by Arts Missoula

Celebrating the 30th Anniversary of Missoula’s Sister City Connection to
Neckargemünd, Germany

Saturday, October 7th, Noon - 6pm

Caras Park - FREE

For 30 years, our two cities have shared a bond and built a bridge between friends. The concept of
twinned cities dates back to the 9th century, with its modern roots in WWII. Sister Cities programs are
worldwide and they encourage trade, tourism and most importantly, cultural understanding. In 1993
two university professors, Jerry Fetz from the University of Montana and Erich Pohl from Heidelberg
University participated in an exchange program, with Fetz teaching at the University of Heidelberg for a
year and Pohl teaching at UM. During that exchange year Fetz and his family lived just outside of
Heidelberg in Neckargemünd. That exchange was the catalyst for Neckargemünd and Missoula
becoming sister cities in 1993. During the past three decades hundreds of Missoulians, community
leaders, business professionals, high school and UM students have participated in exchange programs
between the two twinned cities and the Fetz family continues to travel there to greet their lifelong
friends, the Pohl’s, in Neckargemünd.

Beer from Bayern Brewing, including a Sister City Beer to commemorate the 30th anniversary, authentic
German steins for sale, traditional German food, Big Dipper Ice Cream and music from ocTUBAfest. Wine
and other German products available provided by Worden’s Market. A children’s area, the “Kindertisch”
offers traditional German arts and crafts activities for the younger guests. Awesome raffle prizes,
sponsor booths, sing-a-longs, dancing all in celebration of our friends in Germany and German culture.
Dressing in your finest dirndl or lederhosen is encouraged!

We are also excited to announce a new addition to Arts Missoula’s Germanfest: A variety of Games, with
cash prizes, sponsored by Toby Hansen Insurance Agency. Games require an entry fee and include free
swag. Visit www.ArtsMissoula.org for more info on our sponsors and game registration.

Arts Missoula | PO Box 7662 Missoula, MT 59807 | www.ArtsMissoula.org