Dancing, Music, Ice Cream and Fun Highlight Return of Minneapolis’ Sister Cities Day Celebration
For Immediate Release
Free, family-friendly July 17 event on Nicollet Island showcases the culture of Minneapolis’ Sister Cities
Minneapolis (July 13, 2022) – Meet Minneapolis is pleased to announce a day of family fun and free, culturally inclusive entertainment and crafts at the return of the annual Sister Cities Day celebration at Nicollet Island Pavilion on Sunday, July 17, from 1-5 p.m. The day features musicians and performers representing eight of Minneapolis’ sister cities, as well as informational displays and crafts for people of all ages. In addition, complimentary make-your-own sundaes and other refreshments will be available while supplies last.
Set alongside the Mississippi River in one of the most beautiful parks in Minneapolis, the Sister Cities Day celebration will occur rain or shine. At 2 p.m., enjoy a special cake cutting as Minneapolis marks 30 years of sister cityhood with Harbin, China.
“We are thrilled to host our Minneapolis Sister Cities Day again this year after a two-year hiatus due to the COVID 19 pandemic,” said Meet Minneapolis President and CEO Melvin Tennant. “This annual, family-friendly celebration is one way for our city to continue fostering cultural awareness within our community. Through the Minneapolis Sister Cities program, we are also able to showcase our region and culture to other parts of the world and learn how different cities are leveraging their attributes for the economic benefit of their communities.”
Performances* include:
| 1 p.m. | Harisen Daiko |
| 1:30 p.m. | Songs of Hope |
| 2 p.m. | Official Remarks to recognize the 30th Anniversary of Minneapolis & Harbin, China Sister City relationship followed by Jimmy Hui Lion Dancers |
| 2:30 p.m. | Somali Museum Dance Workshop |
| 3 p.m. | Heart and Soul Drum Academy |
| 3:30 p.m. | Ishraqat Sumeria Art Group – Iraqi Dance Music Group |
| 4 p.m. | Mexico Lindo Ballet Folklorico |
| 4:30 p.m. | Chilean Musicians: Vladimir Garrido and Nicolas Munoz |
*Performance times subject to change.
This event is sponsored by Meet Minneapolis in partnership with its sister city organizations. Meet Minneapolis supports our relationships with our sister cities on behalf of the City of Minneapolis.
The Minneapolis Sister Cities program was established in 1961 with the signing of the first Sister City agreement between Minneapolis and Santiago, Chile. Today, it includes Winnipeg, Canada; Santiago, Chile; Harbin, China; Kuopio, Finland; Tours, France; Najaf, Iraq; Ibaraki City, Japan; Eldoret, Kenya; Cuernavaca, Mexico; Novosibirsk, Russia; Bosaso, Somalia; and Uppsala, Sweden.
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