Farewell to our Yubetsu friends

On November 5, the Town of Whitecourt hosted a farewell banquet for our friends from Yubetsu, Japan. The banquet was held at the Whitecourt Golf and Country Club. The travelers and their local host families shared their experiences of the past week spent in Whitecourt. The mayor of Yubetsu, Mayor Ashida, flew to Whitecourt only one day prior to the farewell. Although Ashida’s visit was short, he toured our industries and caught up with Whitecourt’s local council members and Mayor Maryann Chichak.

“Lots has changed in Whitecourt, new growth. My friends, however, have not changed,” said Mayor Ashida who has not been in Whitecourt since 2011. Before the banquet ended, small gifts of appreciation were handed out to each of the exchange students. “I am happy to have everyone together to hear about their travels and it was an honour to celebrate our 20-year anniversary together,” said Maryann Chichak. Both mayors also exchanged gifts of appreciation and hospitality.