History of Twinning: Part 6

In 2007, Lexington and Deauville celebrated 50 years of friendship.  Celebrations took place in both cities.  

50th Anniversary Celebrations - in Lexington

In 1957, when Lexington Mayor Kinkead and Deauville Mayor Fossorier agreed for Lexington and Deauville to become Sister Cities, no one had any idea the longevity of the program, or the extreme impact it would have on both cities.

In 2007, 50 years after the original agreement was signed, both cities were celebrating a relationship that was stronger than ever, blossoming with new and long-standing programs.

The celebrations for the 50th Anniversary in Lexington took place in November.  Delegations from all of Lexington's sister cities came to support the re-signing of the twinning agreement.  Deauville, County Kildare, Shinhidaka and Newmarket were all represented.

The official ceremony began with the Lafayette High School drumline escorting the delegates from the Kentucky Theatre into the Lexington Fayette Urban County Government Council Chambers, where Lexington Mayor Jim Newberry and Deauville Vice Mayor Isabelle Patry re-signed Sister Cities Agreement papers, affirming their relationship.

Mary Joy Nelson sang the United States National Anthem as well as the French National Anthem.

The delegation then headed outside, where the drumline again escorted them to a parade down Main Street.  Community members, including elementary school students from Harrison Elementary, waves and celebrated with the delegates as they made their way to the Robert F. Stephens Courthouse.

Speeches were given by representatives from Lexington, Deauville, County Kildare, Shinhidaka and Newmarket.

Following the speeches, official delegates from each Sister City helped to unveil the 50th Anniversary commemorative project - a street sign in downtown Lexington depicting all four Sister Cities.

Official celebrations of the 60th Anniversary between Lexington and Deauville begin in Deauville in September, and in Lexington in October.