Foley Sister Cities is marking the 70th anniversary of Sister Cities International with a month of activities celebrating international friendship, cultural understanding and the organization’s longstanding partnership with Hennef, Germany.

The celebration, themed “Building Friendships: The Heartbeat of Peace,” coincides with Sister Cities International Day on Oct. 14, a news release from Executive Director of Foley Sister Cities Linda B. Spangrud said. The day commemorates the vision launched by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1956, when he promoted friendships between communities in different countries as a way to encourage cultural understanding and build a more peaceful world.

Foley formally recognized Sister Cities International Day with a proclamation during the Foley City Council meeting Oct. 5, honoring the global friendships and cultural exchanges that connect communities across borders.

Foley has embraced Eisenhower’s vision through its sister-city relationship with Hennef. During the past four years, Foley has hosted three Oktoberfest 5K Runs, launched the Oktoberfest Golf Jamboree, organized four student exchanges and an adult exchange and published an international intergenerational cookbook.

Future Foley Sister Cities initiatives include arts and cultural programs, adult global leadership exchanges and additional opportunities for international connection.

The celebration continues throughout October at the new Foley Community Library, where a month-long interactive exhibit provides a look at Foley’s relationship with Hennef. The exhibit features photographs of Hennef and the German countryside, slideshows from past exchange trips, artwork and information about how local residents can become involved.

The Foley Sister Cities Commission and title sponsor Riviera Utilities will host the inaugural Foley Sister Cities Oktoberfest Golf Jamboree on Friday, Oct. 23, at GlenLakes Golf Club.

Golf teams and major sponsorships for the event are sold out, but tickets remain available to the public for the evening Oktoberfest celebration. The event will run from 5-9 p.m. and feature authentic German food and beverages along with a live seven-piece German band. Tickets are $35.

Proceeds from the Oktoberfest celebration will directly support Foley Sister Cities projects and ongoing exchange programs.

“Seventy years ago, President Eisenhower recognized the power of people connecting with people,” said Mayor Ralph Hellmich said in the release. “Foley’s friendship with Hennef represents how this vision continues today.”

“Sister Cities is about much more than cities - it is about friendships, cultural understanding and creating connections that last a lifetime, from generation to generation,“ Spangrud said. She believes with all her heart and soul that Foley is doing just that, she added.

As part of the festivities, the Foley Sister Cities Commission also will honor two retiring founding commissioners for their leadership and dedication: Jada Duffy, assistant principal at Foley High School, and Dr. Michael Roy, associate director of Elementary Schools’ Bands. Both served as vital pillars during the organization’s formative years.