Selected Events 2008        

U.S. Showcase at “Marketplace of Cultures”

U.S. booth in Pirna

May 24, 2008. Consulate General Leipzig participated in Pirna’s sixth “Markt der Kulturen” which celebrated and showcased the wealth of peoples and cultures in a part of Saxony where right-wing extremism continues to be a problem. In an on-stage address, Consul for Public Affairs Mark Wenig stressed the importance of such an event to broaden perspectives and promote tolerance. With Pirna Lord Mayor Marcus Ulbig and other representatives, Wenig also stopped at the Consulate’s booth to explain the information material offered and to point to a collection of books on display, which the Information Resource Center had selected as gifts for the local public library. Consulate's booth, situated next to the library’s stand, featured Alex Award winners for top 10 Books for Young Adults along with numerous titles from the Consulate’s U.S. Publishers’ Donation Program, which were later handed over to the Public Library Director, Gabriele Langmann. Ten thousand people flocked to the Markt der Kulturen this year thus making it an increasingly popular symbol against political extremism. Among the more than 60 clubs/organizations represented, the Consulate booth showcased the many facets of the U.S. and attracted people of all ages who lingered to view the U.S. literature, find information resources, travel brochures and teacher packets, meet an American Consul or take part in a U.S. trivia quiz. At day’s end, children carrying small U.S. flags could be seen all over the market square.