The Rural Youth Austria looks back on a successful anniversary celebration on September 7th and 8th, 2024 in Vienna. Tens of thousands of rural youth and friends of rural youth from all over Austria came together at Vienna’s Heldenplatz to properly celebrate 70 years of the largest youth organization in rural areas. The event offered a successful mix of tradition, entertainment and an optimistic look into the future.
The Rural Youth Austria celebrated its 70th anniversary last weekend as part of the harvest.dank.festival at Vienna’s Heldenplatz. The two-day event attracted numerous visitors from all federal states and proved to be a complete success. With a diverse program that included traditional performances, modern live acts and a celebratory anniversary mass in St. Stephen’s Cathedral, the festival offered something for every taste.
Community and looking back on 70 years of success
The ceremony on Sunday, which offered a look back at the impressive history of the last seven decades of rural youth and their importance for rural areas, was a highlight of the weekend. Interviews, presentations and a festive procession by rural youth groups from all over Austria underlined the organization’s deep connection to its roots and the community. Among the guests were numerous representatives from politics and business, especially Agriculture Minister Nobert Totschnig and Youth State Secretary Claudia Plakolm.
Moosbrugger: 70 years of rural youth – 100% great!
“The Rural Youth Austria stands for youth with the right virtues and a wealth of advantages: L for joy of life, A for activity and open-mindedness, N for new things and sustainability, D for learning, i.e. education, J for saying yes to life, U for Support for others, G for a sensational community, E for great commitment, N for networks and D for perseverance – whether in a project marathon or overcoming challenges,” emphasized LK Österreich-Josef Moosbrugger in his speech and congratulated: “You are celebrating 70 years today Rural youth, be 100% great. Please continue to work hard for each other, rural areas and agriculture and forestry with courage and commitment.”
A look into the future
In addition to honoring the past, the Austrian rural youth also looked to the future. The positive response to the festival and the large participation show that rural youth continue to form a strong and future-oriented community. “The anniversary celebration was not only a celebration of our history, but also a sign of our commitment for the coming decades,” said Valentina Gutkas and Markus Buchebner, the federal leadership of Rural Youth Austria.
Thanks to everyone involved
The festival at Heldenplatz was impressive proof of how lively and strong the rural youth community is even after 70 years. The rural youth are looking forward to the next decades full of shared experiences and successes. The Rural Youth Austria would like to thank all participants, supporters and partners who made this anniversary an unforgettable event. Above all, the Austrian Chamber of Agriculture, Austrian Hagelversicherung, BAG Ölmühle, Stihl and Forest Stories. Such an event could not be carried out without strong cooperation partners. The ernte.dank.festival is also carried out with the support of the federal and state governments.