On the evening of July 13th, the Sister Cities Association of Sarasota (SCAS) hosted its inaugural Bastille Day event at the charming Moulin Blanc Café. SCAS is very thankful to The Moulin Blanc Café owner, Alexander Navarro, who provided lovely service, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience for all guests.

This special occasion commemorated the historic storming of the Bastille in 1789, a pivotal event in the French Revolution, and celebrated the enduring bonds between sister cities Sarasota and Perpignan.

The event was a resounding success, drawing over 80 attendees from various nationalities and fostering a spirit of multicultural celebration.

A Gathering of Distinguished Guests

The event was graced by several distinguished guests, including Sarasota Mayor Liz Alpert.

Mayor Alpert spoke passionately about the importance of cultural ties and international cooperation, highlighting the renewal of the sisterhood between Perpignan and Sarasota, first established in 1994. Her words were echoed by Mayor Pachota, who emphasized the role of such events in fostering community spirit.

Adding an international dimension to the evening, the Mayor of Perpignan, Louis Aliot, contributed a video message that reinforced the shared history and values between the cities. His message, along with those from the mayors, underscored the importance of unity and cultural exchange.

Attendee Cristina captured the sentiment perfectly.

This event was a beautiful celebration of our shared history and values. It was inspiring to see so many people from different backgrounds come together in the spirit of unity and cultural exchange.

Memorable Moments and Community Support

A standout moment of the evening was the series of speeches by the mayors, which highlighted the significance of the event. Rebeca Forero from the Latin Chamber of Commerce also attended, underscoring the event’s broad appeal and importance. Her invitations to speak at future events and participate in the 3rd Global Forum “Women Who Build 2024” showcased the ongoing impact of the event.

The community’s support was evident through the generous contributions from local businesses.

Real Bikes Venice donated an impressive bicycle valued at $700 for a raffle. At the same time, SEACOAST Foot and Ankle offered a free consultation worth $150, and Bangz Hair Studio provided a hair treatment worth $50. Moulin Blanc Café added a special touch with a handmade bag from Paris worth $70. These contributions added an extra layer of excitement and engagement to the evening.

Attendees were quick to express their appreciation.

Leah, one of the attendees, shared, “…a smashing success of an event! Thank you again for the warm invitation and for a lovely evening. I very much look forward to any future events and partnerships.”

Looking Ahead: A Bright Future for Cultural Exchange

The feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly positive, with many appreciating the multicultural aspect of the event and expressing a desire for more interactive cultural elements in the future, such as food and wine tastings and cultural performances. This feedback will be instrumental in shaping future SCAS events to be even more immersive and engaging.

Anastacia summed up the sentiment well: “It was great meeting the Sister City of Sarasota Team in person! It was a great event!” The enthusiasm and support from the community have strengthened the Sister Cities Association of Sarasota’s resolve to continue promoting international understanding and cultural exchange.

As we look to the future, SCAS members and friends can look forward to events that build on this success, featuring expanded interactive cultural elements and even more opportunities for direct engagement. For those who missed this event, mark your calendars for the next one, which promises to offer an even richer and more engaging experience.

In the words of Pauline, “It was a great event on Bastille Day, well done. Everybody enjoyed themselves, including me!!”

This event has set a high standard, and SCAS is excited to continue fostering unity and cultural exchange through future events.