Knoops of Ulm, Germany, came to New Ulm in early September as part of the Sister Cities intern exchange program. In Germany, Knoops worked at Gold Oshsen Brewery. During his internship in New Ulm, he worked at August Schell Brewery.

“This was one of the more successful exchange program in terms of friendships made,” said Richard Seeboth, who served as Knoops’ host for his first six weeks in New Ulm.

Seeboth said the number of friends Knoops made in just under three months was extremely impressive. The list included his coworkers at Schell’s, as well as members of the Concord Singers.

Knoops joined the Concord Singers for multiple rehearsals and performances during his stay and became a formal member.

Jayne Maday-Hulke, Chair of the New Ulm Sister Cities Commission, present Hans Joohs Exchange intern Samuel Knoops with parting gifts to remember New Ulm during his farewell dinner.

Justin Janni, a member of the Concord Singers, said Knoops was officially the first international member of the Concord Singers. Janni also praised him for helping the members with German pronunciation.

Knoops thanked everyone in attendance at the farewell celebration. He said it was a pleasure to have everyone here who made his stay in New Ulm wonderful.

“There was not a bad moment,” he said.

Knoops thanked Richard and Sharon Seeboth and Jim and Konnie Bartles for serving as his host families. He also thanked Schell’s for taking him on as a temporary employee.

Knoops’ time at Schell’s included the Oktoberfest celebration. He said New Ulm’s celebration was very similar to the ones back home in Germany.

Hans Joohs Exchange Intern Samuel Knoops (right) wishes the friends he made in New Ulm a fond farewell during his Farewell celebration hosted by the Sister Cities Commission at the Kegel Klub Monday. Knoops served as the Sister Cities intern from Ulm, Germany this fall. Nov. 24 was his last day in New Ulm. He returned to Germany, Tuesday, Nov. 25.

“In my opinion, Oktoberfest is having fun drinking with friends and listening to polka,” he said. “That’s what we did here. The only shocking thing about New Ulm’s Oktoberfest celebration was the weather.

Knoops admitted he was not expecting 90-degree weather for the festival.

Knoops said he had several goals during his stay in America and he achieved many of them. A top goal was visiting as many breweries as possible. Aside from Schell’s, he was a fan of Castle Danger in Two Harbors, Surly Brewing in Minneapolis and Spearfish Brewing Company in South Dakota.

Knoops said that the hardest things to get used to with American brewing versus German brewing were the sugar. In Germany, there is greater restrictions on what can go into beer. He said adding sugar to beer was a surprise.

Another goal for Knoops was to attend as many music concerts as possible. He confirmed he was able to attend a wide variety of musical performances. His favorite performances were the metal shows Powerwolf and DragonForce, both of which he was able to see in the Twin Cities.

Knoops had four highlights from his internship. The first was being able to visit Mount Rushmore in the Black Hills. Second, there was his time singing with the Concord Singers. Third was his time working at Schell’s Brewery and exploring the different brewing methods. His fourth highlight was his farewell celebration, because it was a chance to bring the people he met together in one place.

“This is wonderful,” he said. “There are a lot of people here tonight, saying goodbye.”

Knoops also praised the Sister Cities exchange program as a whole.

“I hope it continues for a long time and gives others the chance to visit this wonderful community,” he said.