The Springfield Sister Cities Association will host a delegation of visitors from its sister city of Tlaquepaque, Mexico, today, Wednesday, April 30 through Monday, May 5, 2008.
The delegation will include more than 20 members from civic, governmental, and other organizations who will meet with their counterparts in Springfield. The newly-elected Mayor of Tlaquepaque, José Hernan Cortés Berumen also will travel with the delegation.
Jeweler Hector Selgado will participate in the First Friday Art Walk, Friday, May 2, with silver jewelry on display at Springfield Pottery, 416 S. Campbell Ave. Selgado will take part in this year’s 28th annual Artsfest Fine Arts Festival on Historic Walnut Street on both Saturday, May 3 and Sunday, May 4.
Mariachi group Sol de America also will make the trip from Tlaquepaque. Their schedule includes performances in several Springfield Public Schools. In addition, the following is a partial schedule of their visit:
- 11:45 a.m., Thursday, May 1, Missouri State University’s Plaster Student Union
- 11:30 a.m., Friday, May 2, Busch Municipal Building lobby
- Noon, Friday, May 2, Drury University Commons
- 6 - 10 p.m., Friday, May 2, as part of ArtsFiesta! Cinco de Mayo celebration in Founders Park, 330 E. Water St.
- 11 a.m., Saturday, May 3, Dance Stage at Artsfest
- Noon, Sunday, May 4, Dance Stage at Artsfest
- 2:10 p.m., Sunday, May 4, Springfield Cardinals game at Hammons Field
Tlaquepaque is a city of more than 525,000 that is both traditional and cosmopolitan and places its emphasis on art and culture. Known as the “Soul of Mexico,” the city borders Tonala to the south and Guadalajara and Zapopan in the north. The city is located less than an hour from the major metropolitan city of Guadalajara, Mexico, the country’s second-largest city. The climate is spring-like all year-round. The relationship with Springfield was formed in June 2003.
For more information on Springfield Sister Cities, visit www.springfieldmo.gov/sistercities.
