On May 22, 2005 the First Festival of Los Angeles Sister Cities took place at the Page Museum Park in Los Angeles and it seemed as though the whole world had gotten together on that day. Upon invitation by Councilman Tom LaBonge, all sister cities of Los Angeles participated in this spectacular event. Festivities included non-stop entertainment provided by the 21 international sister cities in dance, music, theatre and folkloric acts. Each "Village" showcased an array of cultural, artistic and culinary specialties from far- away lands. Workshops for the children had been set up at the "Village for the Children of the World".

With the support of the German Consulate General and the contributions of many other sponsors, the large Berlin Village was organized by the Los Angeles-Berlin Sister City Committee and conveyed much information about our relationship with our Berlin sister to the almost 10,000 visitors. Chair Rosemarie Reisch, together with Christiane Christiansen, Petra Schuermann, Frank Mottek and a team who was manning the 15 booths, worked very hard to "create" and make the Berlin Village "happen". Entertainer "Anke Lautenbach" came from Berlin and, accompanied by pianist Victor Alexeeff, enchanted the audience with nostalgic Marlene Dietrich and Zarah Leander chansons as well as excerpts from "Cabaret" and "Chicago". At the international food court, visitors could savor Berlin curry sausages and "sweet" specialties and favorites from the Gourmet Bakery.

The Festival ended at 8 p.m. and everyone is looking forward to the next one in 2006.