About this year's partnership...

The Frankenmuth Community Foundation is excited to announce their partner organization for the 2024 Legacy Ball Dachshund Derby is the Frankenmuth City Beautification Committee (CBC). Each year, the Foundation accepts applications from local organizations engaging in a major project who are seeking help in raising funds. Last year, the Foundation raised over $71,000 for the Frankenmuth Lions Club Biergarten project. The Biergarten project is ready to break ground in the spring as soon as the weather allows. In past years the Foundation has raised money for the Frankenmuth Historical Association’s renovation and expansion project and raised money to help bring the Frankenmuth Ice Rink to town.

The CBC will partner with the Legacy Ball to raise funds for replacing the famous “Willkommen sign” on the south bank of the Cass River, near the Main Street bridge. Willkommen means ‘Welcome’ in German. This word is at the entrances to the City limits, the entrance to many of our businesses, and has been spoken by Tim Allen on Pure Michigan campaigns for Frankenmuth. It is our mission, motto, and, most notably, at the heart of everything we do in town. This word has graced the Cass River bank since 1988. At over 35 years old, the sign is constructed of 4’ x 7’ plywood letters attached to cables strung 70’ across by small screwed-in clips. These massive letters sway in the wind and are continuously battered by weather. Monthly, if not weekly, letters are jolted out of place and must be realigned to look perfect for every backdrop moment. Over time, the plywood pieces have become weathered and rotted, requiring new plywood to be cut and repainted.

In the winter, “Willkommen” is replaced with the words “Peace on Earth” and surrounded by silhouette buildings and figurines, creating a peaceful and respectful atmosphere. In the spring, “Willkommen'' is once again placed on the top of the hill and reminds residents and visitors of the type of city we strive to be. Repeatedly moving these massive letters is cumbersome and inevitably leads to breakage and harm to the letters.

The Frankenmuth City Beautification Committee has managed this sign since its inception and funded its annual painting, fabricating, and oftentimes weekly letter adjusting/moving. Since its original installation, new materials, designs, and trademarks have evolved in Frankenmuth, so the CBC has decided it is time to renovate. The proposed plan for a new sign includes a stable framework of metal, of which white aluminum letters will be placed and bracketed so that the letters cannot move in the wind. The aluminum letters will last considerably longer than plywood and be lighter to swap between seasons. This newly updated sign will convey the same message it has for many years while allowing easier transitions between seasons, fewer maintenance concerns, and creating a perfect backdrop for millions of pictures taken downtown each year. Some call it our “Hollywood” sign; we like to call it Frankenmuth’s “Willkommen” sign. All funds raised at the 2024 Legacy Ball Dachshund Derby will go towards replacing the Willkommen sign.

Bronner's CHRISTmas Wonderland

Edward Jones Offices of Mary Guzak, Michael Southgate and Doyle Webb

Emil Rummel Agency

Frankenmuth Civic Events Council



Frankenmuth Fudge Kitchen

Frankenmuth Jellystone Park

Mike Young Buick GMC



Morgan Stanley

Prost Wine Bar + Charcuterie

Schaefer & Bierlein

Ackerman-Zells Family 

Charlin's Book Nook

Covenant HealthCare   

Frankenmuth Cheese Haus   

Frankenmuth Family Dental Associates

Frankenmuth Jaycees

Frankenmuth Women's Club

Frankenmuth Woolen Mill

Grasel Graphics

Hagen Excavating Co

McDonalds of Frankenmuth

Sebald Signs

Tiffany's Food & Spirits

Worley Landscaping LLC