COLD LAKE – A delegation from Hugelsheim, Germany, Cold Lake’s official sister city, touched down in Cold Lake this past weekend, marking the first official visit from the German town in nearly two decades.
For three days, the four-person delegation explored the community, strengthened international ties, and embraced the laid-back spirit of Alberta’s Lakeland.
The relationship between Cold Lake and Hugelsheim goes back to the 1980s, rooted in a shared connection through NATO and the presence of a Canadian Forces base in Germany.
“Our sister city, Hugelsheim - we became sister cities in the 80s, and we've carried this relationship ever since,” said Cold Lake Mayor Craig Copeland.
The City of Cold Lake sent its own delegation to Hugelsheim this past May for Spargelfest, which is a famous German festival celebrating asparagus season.
“They put on a great event,” Copeland said of the festival, describing the residents as being among “the warmest, the friendliest people you're ever going to meet.”
Hugelsheim’s CAO Max Schell said the last visit to Cold Lake by his city’s representatives was in 2007 and so it was time for a return visit.
“I said we had to go there (Cold Lake) because Craig is always coming to Spargelfest. So, we had to return the favor, you know.”
The group’s itinerary included a tour of local oil fields, a visit to the Cold Lake Air Force Museum, and a scenic boat trip on Cold Lake itself.
“We learned a lot about the native culture yesterday. There's a section in the museum with all the native stuff. It's really interesting, the history,” said Schell. “We did not have natives in Germany.”
The German visitors also soaked in Cold Lake’s natural beauty.
“Oh, it's great. It's wonderful. The landscape and the lake is just beautiful. The people are so welcoming, and we are treated so well here. It's really nice,” Schell said, comparing the atmosphere to back home which he said is “a little bit more strict and formal and not as chilled out.”
“Germany is too serious,” added Hugelsheim Coun. Uwe Holzer with a laugh.
The delegation planned to end their Canadian trip with a visit to the Calgary Stampede, followed by a tour through the Rocky Mountains.
“We got ourselves tickets and we're really looking forward to that,” said Schell. “We try to visit Banff, Jasper . . . just a little round trip and catch everything.”
As the delegation prepared to leave, they encouraged Cold Lakers to visit Hugelsheim, especially during Spargelfest.
“Just come over. The people are so friendly,” said Schell. “Everybody likes it - the fest, the beer, and the music,” he said, adding, “And I can just say, ‘Welcome to Hugelsheim’.”
