2016 marks the fiftieth year of sister city exchanges between Newport and Mombetsu, Japan. This is an open invitation to participate with the celebrations and exchanges.
An organizational meeting was held on Tuesday, February 9 at 5:30 p.m. at Newport City Hall. The meeting included information about three opportunities to be involved, including travel to Mombetsu, Japan, and hosting visitors from Mombetsu on two separate occasions.
Adult delegation from Mombetsu arrives in Newport and receives gift bags
Begun in 1966 through the Rotary Clubs of both cities, this relationship has created many longtime friendships, and continues to provide citizens of both cities the opportunity to experience life in another culture. Bi-annual visits to and from Mombetsu and Newport, involving youth and adult ambassadors, have occurred throughout the fifty-year history.
Plans are already underway for a visit from a Mombetsu delegation to Newport on May 18-21 this year. This group will be adults, and the committee hopes to involve as many people as possible from past years, as well as new people who would like to see what the exchange is all about. A special fifty-year banquet and celebration is also being arranged for Friday, May 20 at the Hallmark Resort.
In mid-July an adult delegation from Newport will visit Mombetsu, Hokkaido, for their Port Festival, and to attend a special banquet on July 20. This is an amazing time with delicious food, exciting fireworks, sightseeing, and Japanese hospitality. Delegates pay their own expenses, which will include airfare, ground transportation, and any hotel stays in Tokyo or other places the delegation may decide to visit. Homestays are provided in Mombetsu, which really gives an idea of daily Japanese life.
Middle School students from Mombetsu perform traditional and pop dance at the Oregon Coast Aquarium
During the first week of August, a group of middle school students from Mombetsu will travel to Newport. This is always a fun time, as the student’s homestay with families in the Newport area, and are entertained through group and family activities. Families in the local area with middle school students are encouraged to participate as hosts, with the hope that the local students will travel to Mombetsu in the summer of 2017 in return.
If you have any questions about any of these visits, or would like more information about the program in general, please contact Peggy Hawker at City Hall, 541.574.0613.
