Since 1971, Tempe Sister Cities has bridged friendships with communities as diverse as Timbuktu, Mali; Zhenjiang, China, and Regensburg, Germany. This week, the organization will celebrate its 40th anniversary with events across the city:
• Wednesday - Ring of Honor Ceremonies at Sister City Garden, within Kiwanis Park, 6111 S. All-America Way. At 6 p.m., 11 longtime Sister City volunteers will be inducted into the Ring of Honor.
• Wednesday and Thursday - A first-ever International Economic Forum at the Tempe City Council Chambers, 31 E. Fifth St., and in locations around the city. Pre-registration is required; send an email to chrisquig@gmail.com.
• Thursday - Making a World of Difference Banquet at Tempe Center for the Arts, 700 W. Rio Salado Parkway. Event begins at 6 p.m. and includes recognizing international humanitarians. Tickets are $75. Contact janeneuheisel@cox.net.
• Friday through Sunday - Oktoberfest at Tempe Town Lake, with opening ceremonies 5 p.m. Friday. Enjoy polka, brats and dachshund races.
Information: www.tempeoktoberfest.com or www.tempesistercities.org.
