Ralf Weigold receives the Golden Wärschtlamo
150 years of the beautification association
There were three special occasions to celebrate at Theresienstein last weekend: 150 years of the Hof Beautification Association, the 154th Hof Wärschtlamo birthday and the awarding of the Golden Wärschtlamo to Ralf Weigold.
Founded in 1875, the beautification association, which today has over 670 members, continues to support the botanical garden and Theresienstein with plants, specialised literature, equipment, furnishings and much more. Thanks to contributions, donations and income from events, the association has been able to invest almost half a million euros. The anniversary also commemorated Gottlob Thomas - father of the Theresienstein and former city planning officer, whose 200th birthday is being celebrated this year. Dr Roland Eichhorn slipped into the role of the Theresienstein founder and gave a charming and entertaining historical review.
"A big thank you to the Hof Beautification Association. It has been an indispensable partner for our botanical garden and the Theresienstein for years, contributing significantly to the preservation and current appearance of the park. This voluntary work is an invaluable asset for Hof," said Mayor Eva Döhla. Two historic benches will be refurbished by the city of Hof to mark the anniversary. The building yard will clean and seal the benches.
Golden Wärschtlamo awarded
Another highlight of the weekend was the 154th Wärschtlamo birthday, which was celebrated together with the Verschönerungsverein's festivities at the Theresienstein. Since 1871, the Wärschtlamänner have characterised the city centre with their famous "Wärscht aus dem Kessel". For many, this is a piece of Hof's homeland and for guests a must when visiting the city centre. As a thank you, the Wärschtlamänner present received a cake, and Wärschtlamo Detlef Büttner was specially honoured for his 30th anniversary.
The "Golden Wärschtlamo" was also ceremoniously presented to a personality who has shaped and carried on Hof's culinary heritage. The 2025 award winner is Ralf Weigold, who has been shaping the Hof Volksfest with his family for four generations and has continued to develop the bratwurst tradition with great commitment. The Weigold family has been closely associated with the tradition of the Hofer Wärschtlamo since 1924, i.e. for over 100 years. Great-grandfather Wilhelm and his wife, the "Wärschtlafraa", were already selling sausages at the Volksfest. To this day, the family continues this tradition in the fourth generation.
A piece of Hof identity
The prizewinner emphasised that the award was equally due to his great-grandfather, grandfather and parents. Weigold, who has been working independently at the charcoal grill since 1988, thanked his team of employees, without whom, as he himself says, "none of this would be possible and I wouldn't be standing here today". He emphasised the quality of the regional gourmet trade and advised Hof not to hide its light under a bushel.
Ralf Weigold was already standing at the bratwurst grill at the age of twelve and consistently developed the business further: from the classic stands at the folk festival to catering offers in the HofBad, at the Christmas market or Saaleauenfest. Nevertheless, the centrepiece remains the bratwurst, whether classically or cleverly seasoned, as a piece of Hof's identity.
With his many years of commitment, including as a sausage roaster at the Genussmarkt, Ralf Weigold is considered an "ambassador of flavour for the Upper Franconia region". "You are not only part of the history of the Hofer Wärschtlamo, you have also played a decisive role in writing this history," emphasised Eva Döhla at the award ceremony.