The city of Akron has 217,000 inhabitants and is situated in the east of the USA in the state of Ohio.

Akron is an industrial city steeped in tradition. The largest company in the city is the tyre manufacturer "Goodyear".

Akron is famous for its university as a site for science.

Christmas market in Akron

Since 2004 the twin towns of Akron and Chemnitz have been jointly preparing a Christmas market based on the German model in the American city of Akron in the state of Ohio. At the market many craftsmen from Chemnitz and the surrounding area exhibit their products - of course, also for sale. Musical and sports performances in Akron by Chemnitz citizens are also on the programme.

In 2007, among these there were the Herrnhuter Sterne and also tree decorations made from tin as well as various beer tankards. With these, according to Brigitte Taube, a wish from the American side comes true, for the German "beer steins" are very popular.

In December 2007 the figure skaters of Chemnitz ice skating club travelled to Akron. Among them were the ice dancing couple Vivian Roscher (11) and Tony Engelhardt (14) and the individual skaters Josephin Gähler (13) and Sven Miersch (11).

After numerous musical performances on the large stage on Main Street, Santa Claus opened the holiday season 2007 on 23 November with a gigantic firework display. The Christkindl market in Akron is now the largest German Christmas market between New York and Chicago.