German guests plan busy visit

Talk about it

WORTHINGTON — After a very late night, two groups of musicians and tourists arrived in Worthington late Thursday evening. The groups arrived from Worthington’s sister city of Crailsheim, Germany, and will stay in Worthington through Tuesday of next week before heading off to New York for sightseeing.

Numerous host families around town have been lined up for them to stay with while they tour and get a taste of Worthington.

While they’re here, members of the group hope to catch up with old friends, as well as see what Worthington has to offer.

“We hope to see farms and meet new people,” German tourist Friedrich Lober said.

Lober and his wife ventured to Worthington to get a taste of the lifestyles here in America, and are looking forward to spending time down at the Regatta this weekend.

“We just want to experience the Regatta and the new music here,” said Lober.

As the 60th anniversary of the Crailsheim and Worthington sister-city relationship is celebrated this year, many of the group members traveled to Worthington to honor the treasured friendship between the two cities.

“It’s necessary to keep this friendship alive,” explained Manfred David, a city council member from Germany. “It’s a tradition.”

This year’s visit to Worthington reciprocates that of a group from Worthington who traveled to Crailsheim last summer.

“It’s great to visit friends and make new friends. That’s why we must keep the relationship alive,” David stated.

In honor of its visit to Worthington the Crailsheim musical group Bürgerwache Crailsheim will perform Saturday afternoon from 3 to 4 p.m. at Sailboard Beach. The group is directed by Joseph Mook and comprised of members ranging from ages 12-65.

Captain Jürgen Roseüadur, a member of the musical group, explained the music genres that will be performed during their portion of the day’s musical events.

“A little bit of everything!” laughed Roseüadur. “From classic music to modern music, we’re going to play it all.”

He also mentioned the group’s official dress for performances. Everyone performing will be dressed in uniforms from the German Army.

Although the stay in Worthington won’t be long — as visitors have a loaded schedule of events for touring while in the United States — many of the group members are really looking forward to taking the Sailboard Beach stage in their sister city.

“I’m looking forward to performing for the city,” said fellow musician, Sregtrid Gluer. “It’s a great opportunity.”

Tags: news, crailsheim, worthington, visitors, regatta