OGDEN -- In next Tuesday's meeting, the Ogden City Council will host city officials from Hof, Germany to commemorate the 70th anniversary of becoming sister cities. The partnership dates back to 1954 and is the first between an American and German city after World War II.
"We're excited to welcome our friends from overseas and look forward to continuing to cultivate the relationship between our two cities," Council Chair Angela Choberka said. "We have plenty of events and activities in store for them and we hope they enjoy what Ogden and the State of Utah offer."
During next Tuesday's Council Meeting, the Council and Mayor will present a joint resolution to commemorate the 70 years of the sister-city relationship. Representatives from Hof, including Lord Mayor Eva Döhla and Hof Council members will present a certificate to Ogden City to be signed by Ogden City Mayor Benjamin K. Nadolski and Council Chair Choberka. The two parties will then exchange gifts to conclude the celebratory ceremony.
The German visitors will have a busy agenda during their time in Utah, including a visit to the State Legislature as part of Local Officials Day, participation in Hof Germanfest, an excursion to Snowbasin, and other activities.
This sister-city program was first initiated by Ogden Mayor Raymond Wright at the urging of Frank M. Browning, then President of the Bank of Utah. Mr. Browning had sponsored Hof resident August Brand to come to the United States and work for his bank in Ogden.
For 70 years, cultural and educational opportunities have been exchanged as Ogden City has had countless groups and representatives visit Hof, and in return has welcomed more than 2,500 of our German friends to Ogden as a result of this unique relationship.
Council staff contact: Brandon Garside - Communications Manager - brandongarside@ogdencity.com - 801-629-8153