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In a heartfelt gesture of international friendship, Carmel marked the 700th anniversary of its sister city, Seiffen, Germany, by presenting a special gift from Mayor Sue Finkam to Mayor Martin Wittig of Seiffen. The presentation, held in the mayor’s office in Seiffen, included a letter from Mayor Finkam and a painting by renowned Carmel artist Deb Slack.
In her letter, Mayor Finkam expressed the deep bond and enduring partnership between the two cities:
On behalf of the residents of Carmel, Indiana, I extend heartfelt congratulations to the people of Seiffen, Germany on the auspicious occasion of your 700th anniversary. This significant milestone is a testament to the rich history, vibrant culture, and enduring spirit of your community.
As Seiffen embarks on its next chapter, may this anniversary serve as a reminder of the resilience, unity, and shared values that define our partnership. Together, let us continue to build bridges of understanding and cooperation, fostering a brighter future for generations to come.
Carmel artist Deb Slack’s painting, “Carmel Christkindlmarkt VII,” was presented as a gift to commemorate Seiffen’s 700-year anniversary. (Photo courtesy Sandra Richardson)
Slack’s painting, titled “Carmel Christkindlmarkt VII,” was also presented as a gift to the people of Seiffen. Slack expressed her joy in contributing to the celebration:
“It is an honor and privilege to have my painting ‘Carmel Christkindlmarkt VII’ in your beautiful city. I hope it reflects the joy that our Christkindlmarkt has brought to so many Carmel, Indiana residents. Congratulations on your 700-year anniversary!”
Ringo Müller (Müller Kleinkunst) and Michale Labuske (Seiffen CFO) join Carmel Christkindlmarkt representatives at CarmelFest 2024. Wilkinson Brothers edited Carmel’s famous midtown mural for the parade. (Photo courtesy Sandra Richardson)
The visit celebrated Seiffen’s 700-year milestone and underscored the strong ties between the two communities. The Carmel Seiffen Sister City relationship began in 2017, during the first visit of Seiffen’s Werner Reifentiere woodworkers. The official Sister City documents were signed in Seiffen in November 2023 by Seiffen Mayor Martin Wittig and former Carmel Mayor James Brainard.
The event was attended by key figures from both cities, including Michael Labuske (Seiffen CFO), Mandy Partzsch-Stephani (Erzgebirge Engel and Volunteer Guide), Ben Richardson and Sandra Richardson (President, Carmel Seiffen Sister City Partnership), Maria Adele Rosenfeld (President & CEO, Carmel Christkindlmarkt), and Mayor Martin Wittig and Sophie Wittig of Seiffen.
About the Carmel Christkindlmarkt
Founded in 2017, the Carmel Christkindlmarkt (pronounced Chris-t-Kindle-Mark-t) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and the premier holiday offering in Indiana, attracting nearly half a million visitors annually. Its mission is to engage and educate the community in German culture and Christmas traditions though an authentic, magical holiday experience. Every year, the Market boasts demonstrations by artisans from Germany, traditional foods, beverages and gifts sold from dozens of charming wooden huts, a gorgeous outdoor ice rink, and a traditional Glühwein Pyramid – the first of its kind in the United States. The Carmel Christkindlmarkt has also been ranked Best Holiday Market by USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice travel award contests for Best Holiday Market for the last four years. For more information, visit CarmelChristkindlmarkt.com.