Hof, Germany and Ogden, Utah have the oldest and most successful sister city partnership, celebrated annually at the German-themed winter festival.

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Undated photos of Sneddon Hof Germanfest from past years. Images provided by Ogden Eccles Conference Center

Ogden, Utah is about to come alive with the spirit of Germany. The Sneddon Hof Germanfest is back for a two-day cultural festival on January 19 and 20 at the Ogden Eccles Conference Center. The celebration is deeply rooted in the sisterhood between Ogden and Hof, Germany, and promises a weekend filled with live music, culinary delights, family-friendly activities, a bustling marketplace, and the company of distinguished guests.

The annual German-themed winter festival in Ogden dates back to 1976 when city council member Scott Sneddon re-invigorated the Sister City Program with a new winter festival, called Hof Winter Carnival, to honor Ogden’s sister city partnership with Hof. The Sister City Program was created as part of President Dwight Eisenhower’s People to People program in 1956. Today, Hof and Ogden have the oldest and most successful sister city partnership to emerge from the People to People program.

This year, the Sneddon Hof Germanfest is honored to welcome 11 distinguished guests from our sister city, including the esteemed Mayor of Hof, Eva Döhla, highlighting the strong bond between the two cities. 

Mayor Döhla writes: "The idea of partnership was strengthened after the Second World War by the desire for reconciliation and international understanding. People were to come together and exchange ideas, in order to ultimately overcome borders–not just geographical ones." 

Some Ogdenites have visited Hof over the years, including Weber State University professor and Ogden Arts Advisory Committee member Jan Hamer, who kindly delivered a miniature version of our beautiful summer street-display horses to the people of Hof, painted specifically for them by Ogden artist Lindsay Huss. 

Hof has awarded Bill and Melissa Bennett of Ogden a Medal of Honor in recognition for their intensive commitment as sponsors and advisors, and maintaining and developing relationships, including sports and dance exchange programs.

Former city council member Amy Wicks has visited Hof while on vacation to maintain important connections and friendships. She met with Hof mayor Dieter Döhla in 2005, the father of its current mayor, and has graciously hosted guests from our sister city at her home.

This weekend at Sneddon Hof Germanfest, the festival stage will be alive with energy showcasing Germany’s rich musical heritage and traditions. Immerse yourself in the authentic dance and music of Germany, called "Volksmusik" meaning "people's music" or "folk's music,” with live performances from renowned bands, including the B&B All-Stars, Salzburger Echo, and Polkatones.

The festival also brings a culinary journey to Ogden, offering a delicious array of authentic German foods from artisan vendors–including the popular farmer’s market vendor, Petra’s Backstubchen, who hails from Germany and now resides in Utah. Indulge your taste buds in the flavors of Germany with pastries, breads, schnitzel, bratwursts, spätzle, and other delectable treats.

No German festival is complete without a selection of authentic German beers and beverages; you can experience the taste of Germany as you sip on refreshing brews!

There is something for the whole family to enjoy with interactive activities, cultural demonstrations, and games that foster a sense of community and togetherness. The marketplace will feature a diverse array of German-themed goods, crafts, and souvenirs to connect with the traditions and culture of Germany.

A representative of Hof, Matthias Lentzen, shared with us this sentiment:

"When close relationships have existed for a long time, they are often taken for granted. When you look at the 70-year Sister Cities relationship between Ogden and Hof, you might get the impression that it just happens. Upon closer inspection, it becomes clear that it is the people who have kept such a long friendship between two cities alive over the years and across 8,400 km. The reciprocal visits, the warmth, and the way people treat each other are the icing on the cake of such a partnership. Young people can and should experience that. This is my second visit to Ogden and I'm sure it won't be the last. As a city councilor in Hof, I am happy to have the opportunity to be one of the people who actively support and live the friendship between our cities. I'm also happy about every visit from Ogden to my hometown of Hof and look forward to what is to come."

Sneddon Hof Germanfest will be held on Friday and Saturday, January 19 and 20, from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., at the Ogden Eccles Conference Center. Tickets are $8 (adults), $6 (students, military, seniors), $5 (children ages 3-12), and $25 (family of four). Visit ogdenpet.com/events for more information and tickets.