Delegates from Gunpo, South Korea enjoy a performance from Tawny’s School of Dance at their welcoming ceremony at Lions Pavilion Friday evening. Photo: Brock Ormond/Quinte News
Gunpo, South Korea Mayor Yoon-Joo Kim (middle) and delegates join Tawny’s School of Dance for a line dancing demonstration at the welcoming ceremony at Lions Pavilion Friday. Photo: Brock Ormond/Quinte News
The Belleville Waterfront & Ethnic Festival rolled along without a hitch at Zwick’s Park Friday evening.
One very important part of the second day of the 32nd edition of the festival was the welcoming of the Gunpo, South Korea delegation for a 20th year inside the Lions Pavilion in Zwick’s Park.
Mayor Taso Christopher and members of Belleville Council were on hand to help introduce Gunpo Mayor Yoon-Joo Kim and the other guests to the folks gathered at the Pavilion.
With Belleville-Gunpo Ambassador Simon Kang acting as interpreter for the delegation, Mayor Christopher said he was grateful for the outstanding relationship built between the two cities throughout the 20 years.
Mayor Christopher also thanked the Belleville Chamber of Commerce, led by CEO Bill Saunders and Special Event Coordinator Susan Walsh, for setting up such a great venue like Zwick’s Park to be able to host their twin city.
Long-time Belleville councillor and chairwoman of the cultural exchange committee Jackie Denyes listed just some of the benefits of a successful relationship between cities in different countries.
Following her speech, Denyes introduced the eight-member delegation one by one.
An entertaining rendition of “Footloose” was then performed for the delegates by the students at Tawny’s School of Dance.
Walsh also handed out red cowboy hats to the delegates as gifts. They, along with Belleville Councillors, then joined the dance crew for a brief line dancing demonstration.
The Gunpo delegation will enjoy the rest of the Waterfront & Ethnic festival before heading back home on Sunday.
