Delegation from Poysdorf, Austria, to visit Newberg in early July

A delegation of local officials and others traveled to Austria several years ago to visit Newberg’s sister city, and the favor will soon be returned.

Dignitaries from the similar sized town of Poysdorf, Austria, are scheduled to arrive in Newberg in early July to meet with officials and see the sights.

“The delegates from Poysdorf will be here for eight days learning about our city, touring historic places, learning about the city government, visiting wineries and traveling to Mount Hood and the Pacific Ocean,” a release from the city of Newberg said. “We are excited to welcome Bürgermeister (mayor) David Jilli, along with members of Poysdorf’s City Council, staff and Austrian wine industry representatives.”

The relationship between Newberg and Poysdorf was cemented in 2006 when the two bergs became sister cities. After a pause due to the pandemic, that relationship was rekindled when a delegation of Newberg officials, residents and others journeyed to Austria in September 2022.

Then-Mayor Rick Rogers commented at the time that the intent was to concentrate on commerce, education and culture during the visit, which happened to coincide with the city’s annual wine festival. Rogers was the last mayor to lead an expedition to Austria, but he followed in the footsteps of former mayors Bob Stewart and Bob Andrews. Current Mayor Bill Rosacker will greet the Austrian dignitaries when they venture to Newberg next month.

Poysdorf is a city of about 2,200 people in the northeastern tip of the country in the district of Mistlebach and the state of Lower Austria. Just miles from the country's border with the Czech Republic, it sits within the country's historic Veltlinerland wine region and was established more than 900 years ago.

Being ensconced in a wine region isn’t the only similarity between the two cities. Both cities have major highways transecting them and many of those motorists are destined for vacation spots elsewhere. Both are rural communities of moderate size and have small industrial bases.

When the Poysdorf delegation arrives in Newberg, it will attend a number of events designed specifically for the visitors, including viewing a photo exhibition at the Chehalem Cultural Center on July 2 that will feature photos from Poysdorf taken by Helmut Seidl, a member of the delegation. A reception is planned for 9 a.m., the public is invited and refreshments will be provided.

Following the photo exhibit, Rosacker and Jilli will travel to Memorial Park to dedicate a tree at 10:30 a.m. “The tree (will) represent friendship between our two cities and the growth of our relationship,” the release said.

The Austrian delegation will top off its schedule of activities as it joins Rosacker and the Newberg City Council in riding in the St. Paul Rodeo parade at 10 a.m. July 4, then attend the rodeo later in the day.

Poysdorf is Newberg's second sister city — the first being Asago City, Japan, a relationship first established in 2000.

For more information about Poysdorf, visit bit.ly/poysdorfsistercity .