The City of Clearwater Sister Cities Advisory Board convened on April 26, 2023, to discuss various initiatives aimed at enhancing cultural exchange and community engagement. A significant focus of the meeting was the longstanding sister city relationship with Nagano, Japan, which has been in place for 65 years, making it one of the oldest partnerships of its kind in the region.

During the meeting, board members explored the idea of organizing a cultural festival inspired by traditional Japanese lantern festivals. These festivals, often celebrated in spring and autumn, feature vibrant displays and community participation. The board discussed the potential for incorporating digital light shows and projections, similar to those used in Nagano, to create a unique local event that could raise awareness of the sister city relationship among Clearwater residents.

The board also welcomed new member Robert Canter, who expressed enthusiasm for contributing to the advisory board's efforts. Discussions included the need to engage the local Japanese community, which is relatively small in Clearwater, and to promote the cultural ties that exist between the two cities.

In addition to cultural initiatives, the board announced plans to establish a scholarship program for Clearwater middle school students to participate in exchange trips. This initiative, which has been in discussion since 2018, aims to foster educational opportunities and strengthen ties with Nagano.

The meeting concluded with the election of new leadership, with board members nominating and approving a new chair and vice chair. The board emphasized the importance of planning future activities and maintaining communication with the community to ensure participation in upcoming events.

Overall, the meeting highlighted the board's commitment to cultural exchange and community involvement, setting the stage for exciting developments in Clearwater's relationship with its sister city, Nagano.