The city of Mainz hosted its fourth colorful festival celebrating German American friendship on April 6, following up on previous years' successful events that started after President Bush's visit to the city in 2005. Along with thousands of visitors, Lord Mayor Jens Beutel and Deputy Principal Officer Richard Aker underscored the importance of German-American friendship on a person-to-person level. "Since these festivals bring together Germans and Americans, they are in the truest and best sense bridge building."