Hanamaki visitors have arrived in Hot Springs from sister city

A 16-member citizen delegation from Hanamaki, Japan, Hot Springs’ sister city, arrived in the Spa City today, Thursday, November 17, for a five-day visit. The delegation includes several members who will participate in Saturday’s Spa 5K/10K race; a group of traditional Japanese dancers; a fine artist; and a former mayor, under whose leadership the Sister City Program enjoyed extensive growth.

While in Hot Springs, the delegates will try their hand at target shooting, stroll through the downtown, enjoy a potluck dinner with members of the Hot Springs National Park Sister City Foundation, picnic at Hill Wheatley Park and take a boat tour of Lake Hamilton. A highlight of their visit will be to attend the Sunday service at Apostolic Faith Tabernacle Church and share a meal with church members afterward. Apostolic Faith Tabernacle, a small church, gathered and sent more than $2,000 in donations to Hanamaki to help the survivors staying in evacuation centers there after the earthquake and tsunami devastated Japan earlier this year.

The Japanese dancers will perform at Park Elementary School, and the Japanese artist will participate in a painting session with other local artists. The Sister City Foundation will also host a traditional Thanksgiving dinner for the delegation, to reflect on the many friendships formed and growth that has taken place through the cities’ 18-year relationship.

For more information on the Hot Springs Sister City Program, contact International Visitors Liaison Mary Neilson, 545-6960.