The Foley Sister Cities Commission more than doubled its participation at the 3rd annual Oktoberfest 5K and Fun Run Saturday, Oct. 4, at OWA.

The event drew runners and walkers from across the country, including Wisconsin, Illinois, Florida, Mississippi, Alabama, Kentucky and Oklahoma, growing from 119 participants last year to 247 this year according to a news release.

Sponsored by WAS, Riviera Utilities, Admiral Seafood Company, Riverview Turf, Point Broadband, and Baumhower’s Victory Grill, the race featured participants in creative costumes, including traditional German Oktoberfest attire such as lederhosen and dreidels. Prizes were awarded for the best costumes, while all runners received official event T-shirts. Medals were presented to top finishers, and attendees enjoyed bratwurst, sauerkraut, bier and pretzels.

Race organizers said the funds raised will support Foley Sister Cities’ initiatives, particularly helping Foley High School students and teachers with the high cost of international travel to Germany.

“This can only happen because of all of you, our runners, our sponsors, our volunteers, and the hardest working committee ever,” organizers said in the release.

Foley Sister Cities is partnering with Foley High School on an educational exchange with Hennef, Germany. In summer 2026, students and teacher chaperones will travel to Germany and stay with host families, while during Mardi Gras week 2026, teachers and students from Hennef will visit Foley and stay with local host families.

The organization also recently published an international, intergenerational cookbook. High school students and senior citizens from both countries contributed 80 recipes, presented in English and German. Copies of “Cooking Connects” are available at Dorthy June Book Sellers and The Book Exchange in Foley, Amazing Finds in Summerdale, Forgotten Finds in Elberta, or by contacting Foley Sister Cities at FoleySisterCities@gmail.com.

UPCOMING EVENTS

• Annual Foley Christmas Tree Lighting – Friday, Dec. 5, in the evening. Foley Sister Cities will feature a specially decorated tree in Heritage Park.
• Annual Foley Christmas Parade – Saturday, Dec. 6, at 10 a.m. The commission will participate with a whimsically decorated float.
• “A Toast” to Foley Sisters: A Magical Holiday Wine Affair and Silent Auction – Saturday, Dec. 6, at C’est Le Vin Wine Bar in OWA, beginning at 12 p.m. Attendees can enjoy a silent auction, wine and food specials, 50-50 raffle drawings, and purchase the “Cooking Connects” recipe book.

The Foley Sister Cities Commission works to promote cultural, educational and commercial relationships through international leadership, friendship and understanding. The organization’s mission is “Building Peace Through People.”

For more information, visit www.foleysistercities.com or contact Foley Sister Cities at FoleySisterCities@gmail.com. Race results and a photo gallery are available on the group’s Facebook page at https://tinyurl.com/Foley-Sister-Cities.