Fifteen students and three teachers from Hennef, Germany recently spent nearly two weeks experiencing life along Alabama’s Gulf Coast through the Foley Sister Cities exchange program.

The group stayed 12 days in Foley with local host families while touring the region and learning about the community’s culture, history and traditions. Their visit was highlighted Monday, March 2, during the Foley City Council meeting, where Foley Sister Cities Executive Director Linda B. Spangrud and student participants Lily Ingram and Cole Reid shared details of the exchange.

The German visitors were welcomed with a breakfast reception at Foley High School hosted by Mayor Ralph Hellmich. During their stay, the students spent two days shadowing their Foley counterparts at school, giving them a firsthand look at American classroom life.

Their itinerary included several excursions across south Alabama and the Gulf Coast. The students toured New Orleans where they sampled beignets at Café du Monde and visited Jackson Square and the French Market. They also held baby alligators at Alligator Alley, explored historic Fort Morgan and learned about oyster farming at Admiral Shellfish Company.

Other stops included the USS Alabama battleship in Mobile, a visit to see the Budweiser Clydesdales horses and a tour of downtown Mobile. The group also attended a gallery viewing of a Mobile night Mardi Gras parade, compliments of Hargrove Engineers & Constructors.

In Baldwin County, the visitors took a hay wagon ride through the bog, watched practice rounds from ASA Hoyt/Easton Pro/Am Archery participants and gathered for a farewell luncheon at Graham Creek.

Mardi Gras was also a major highlight. The students attended several parades during their visit, offering a unique cultural comparison with celebrations back home.

Hennef sits about 29 miles outside Cologne, Germany, widely considered the Carnival center of the country. While the German visitors are familiar with Carnival traditions, they noted clear differences between the celebrations.

In Alabama parades, throws often include moon pies, beads stuffed animals and toys. In Germany, parade participants typically toss sweets and candy. Another difference is the structure of celebrations. While Gulf Coast Mardi Gras includes formal balls, German Carnival celebrations feature numerous themed parties with singing music dancing and stage performances.

Nicole Bundgen, one of the teachers from Hennef, praised the experience.

“This was great. Honestly, I am so thankful for this experience. It is so amazing these people did this for us. I am deeply impressed and I know that all our kids are too. None of them have ever had such an experience even though they are used to Carnival. This is something everyone will be talking about for a long time. Thank you sooo much.”

The exchange will continue this summer when Foley students and teachers travel to Germany in June 2026 to visit their host families and tour Hennef.

Spangrud also presented the Foley Sister Cities annual report, titled “A Year in Review” with “A Glimpse to the Future.” Although the organization was established in 2022, she said it has already hosted several successful fundraisers and projects.

The organization also announced new details about an upcoming event, the Oktoberfest Golf Jamboree, scheduled for Oct. 23. Presented by title sponsor Riviera Utilities, the event will combine a golf tournament with a full Oktoberfest celebration at GlenLakes Golf Club.

Entertainment will be provided by the Little German Band from Huntsville, whose members perform in traditional German attire including lederhosen and dirndl while playing classic German music and popular American songs. The event will also feature activities such as stein holding contests and polka dancing.

Hotel discounts will be available at Cobblestone Hotel & Suites and transportation options such as shuttle service and Uber will be available between the hotel and GlenLakes Golf Club.

Organizers said they are seeking golfers and sponsors for the event. For more information, contact foleysistercities@gmail.com.

Spangrud also invited residents to support the organization during a Spirit Night fundraiser Monday, March 9, from 4 to 8 p.m. at Jim N Nicks in Foley. Guests who dine in or order carryout can mention Foley Sister Cities and a percent of the evening’s profit will be donated to the organization at no extra cost to customers.

The Foley Sister Cities Commission works to promote cultural educational and commercial relationships through international leadership friendship and understanding, with the goal of “Building Peace Through People.”

More information is available at www.foleysistercities.com or by contacting foleysistercities@gmail.com.