While they are here, delegates will be staying with host families and visiting a variety of places in Marquette, including city hall, Northern Michigan University’s campus, Travel Marquette and the Beacon House. Sister Cities Partnerships are built on the pillars of international friendship, cultural understanding and the sharing of ideas, so the activities chosen are meant to correspond to those values.

“We’ve been that way since the inception of our agreement in 1979,” said Bill Brazier, treasurer of the Marquette Area Sister Cities Partnership.

Michigan has had a sister state relationship with Shiga Prefecture since 1967.

Brazier said that when delegates from Higashiomi visit Marquette, “they’re amazed at the open space. And the abundance of nature; how close it is to our city. And the genuine friendliness or kindness of the people.”

Pictured is a previous delegation from Higashiomi. (Photos courtesy of Bill Brazier)

Delegation visits strengthen the bond between cities and continue to feed the program. Brazier has visited Higashiomi several times as part of his position on the MASCP board and a delegation from MASCP is currently on a visit to Marquette’s other sister city in Kajaani, Finland.

The public is welcome to attend a welcome reception honoring the Higashiomi delegation from 6-8 p.m. on July 21 at the NMU Northern Center. The event is free and will include hors d’oeuvres catered by NMU.

The MASCP is still accepting extra host families. For more information or to apply, interested parties can visit mqtsistercity.org.

Annie Lippert can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 550. Her email address is alippert@miningjournal.net.