By Ivonne Henry, City Director for Perpignan

 

As the City Director of Perpignan, I had the immense pleasure of welcoming a distinguished delegation from our Sister City, including Mayor Louis Aliot, Veronique Aliot López, the Director of Communications, and Laurence Herlin-Lemaire, the Director of Tourism. Their visit marked a significant milestone in enhancing the cultural and economic connections between our cities.

Our journey together began on March 3, when we warmly greeted the delegation at the airport. The following day, we embarked on an enriching tour of the Mary Selby Botanical Garden, where CEO Jennifer Romanowski and her team provided an exclusive experience. Guided by the Director of the Plant Collection and the Curator, we explored areas rarely seen by the public, showcasing the botanical diversity and conservation efforts in our community. This extraordinary experience was followed by a delightful lunch at Green Orchid, where we enjoyed exquisite cuisine that sparked engaging discussions.

After lunch, the delegation had some free time to explore the Embracing Our Differences exhibition and stroll through Bayfront Park, where they discovered the tree plaque honoring Perpignan. They then visited Siesta Key Beach, taking in the breathtaking views and feeling the powdery, white sand beneath their feet.

Later that evening, we hosted a Welcome Cocktail at Red Seed Studios Gallery, attended by prominent figures from Sarasota, including Mayor Liz Alpert. The event focused on showcasing Sarasota’s strengths in economic development and the arts. Distinguished speakers, introduced by Mark Pienkos, Interim President of SCAS, included Brian Hersh, CEO of the Arts and Cultural Alliance, Joshua Ewen, VP of Sarasota Economic Development Corporation, and Rochelle Gallant, Economic Development Manager. The Honorary Consul of Tampa, Madame Anne Lancelle, and Jon Thaxton also joined us, underscoring the importance of international collaboration. The evening was enhanced by a selection of wines from Perpignan—a sweet Moscato and a Syrah-Grenache—paired with delectable appetizers crafted by Chef Amalia. A special moment during the cocktail was the presentation of gifts by each Sister City Director to Mayor Aliot, symbolizing our deep-rooted friendship.

On March 5, the day began with a breakfast hosted by Perpignan’s Tourism Office at the beautiful Garden Club of Sarasota, featuring exquisite catering from C’est La Vie. After breakfast, we visited the prestigious Ringling Museum, where Director Steven High welcomed us and guided us through a remarkable tour.

Following our museum visit, we enjoyed lunch on-site before heading to Art Ovation for a captivating tour and dinner, culminating in an unforgettable performance of The Barber of Seville at the Sarasota Opera House—a true celebration of the arts and cultural exchange.

A highlight of our visit occurred on March 6, when Mayor Liz Alpert officially declared this date as Perpignan Day in Sarasota. This designation holds great significance as it not only honors our sister city but also strengthens the bond between our communities. Celebrating Perpignan Day provides an opportunity for Sarasota residents to learn about and appreciate the rich culture, history, and contributions of Perpignan, fostering a deeper understanding and connection between our cities.

That day, we also toured The Bay, where Trey Hammett and AG Lafley presented an in-depth vision of the ambitious waterfront redevelopment project. This was followed by a significant moment at City Hall, where Mayor Liz Alpert, Vice Mayor Debbie Trice, and attending commissioners and former mayors hosted the formal signing of the agreement between our cities.

The evening concluded with a public event at the Selby Library, featuring insightful presentations. Mayor Alpert provided an overview of Sarasota, followed by a compelling video presentation by Mayor Aliot from Perpignan. Miriam Kramer, SCAS past President, introduced the Association. As part of the program, we also presented a video message from Carlo Capua, Board Chair of Sister Cities International, who welcomed attendees to Sarasota and expressed his gratitude for their presence. Following this, esteemed speakers representing Sarasota, including Pete Harvey and Hunter Carpenter from Visit Sarasota, Brandon McLeod from USF, and Iván Mutis from Manatee Hub and Florida Sister Cities, contributed to a meaningful dialogue on collaboration and mutual growth. After a lively Q&A session with the engaged audience, participants enjoyed dinner at Bevardi’s Salute.

Our time together continued on March 7 with a visit to the Salvador Dalí Museum, where we were graciously welcomed by curators Peter Tush and Dr. William Jeffett, along with Trustee Kathryn Swintek. They provided an exceptional tour, delving into the genius of Dalí and his masterpieces. The visit concluded with a lunch discussion on Dalí’s artistic legacy and its impact on both our cultures.

From my perspective as City Director, this visit was a profound opportunity to strengthen the bonds between our cities, fostering a spirit of cooperation, cultural appreciation, and economic partnership. The discussions and shared experiences laid the groundwork for future collaborations, including further exchange programs and continued diplomatic engagement. This delegation visit was not just a formal exchange but a meaningful step toward a lasting partnership based on shared values and mutual respect.

Assistant City Director Jeannette Simmons, who was instrumental in the success of this visit, and I invite you to get involved with our organization and be a part of this exciting journey of cultural exchange and collaboration. Join the Sister Cities Association of Sarasota (SCAS) today and, together, we can continue to build bridges and celebrate the rich tapestry of our global community!

Photos by: evoke studios