This year marks the 50th anniversary of Lexington's partnership with Sister City Deauville, France.
"The concept of a Sister City is when a community of any size or character joins with a community in another nation to learn more about the other and to†develop friendly and meaningful exchanges," said Kay Sargent, Lexington Sister Cities Program manager.
After President Eisenhower launched the Sister Cities program nationwide in 1956, Lexington was one of the first cities to respond in 1957, and has since teamed up with three other Sister Cities--County Kildare, Ireland; Shinhidaka, Japan; and Newmarket, England.
To celebrate the occasion, a group of 24 Deauville residents are coming to visit the week of Nov. 5. An official ceremony will take place Nov. 8 in the Council Chambers room in the Government Center at 9:30 a.m. This official welcome is open to the public. There will also be delegates from Lexington's three other Sister Cities in attendance.
While in the Horse Capital of thee World, Sargent said she is planning to take the delegates to such landmarks as Keeneland, Donamire Farm, Woodford Reserve, The Horse Park, and Frankfort.
"This interchange helps to further international understanding at all levels of the community on a continuing long-term basis," said Sargent. "The ideal affiliation involves a large number of citizens and organizations, businesses, and government in both communities.
To learn more about the Lexington Sister Cities Commission