HORSEHEADS, N.Y. (WENY) -- The Village of Horseheads is hosting visitors from its sister city in Japan during the week of October 27th. This marks the annual celebration of culture that's been happening for more than three decades.
"We're going to see cultural exchange at its finest," said Village of Horseheads Mayor Kevin Adams.
Earlier this year, students from Horseheads spent time in Nakagawa, Japan. Now, both students and adults from Nakagawa are staying with host families in Horseheads. They are taking in the sights, exchanging cultural experiences, and celebrating the Sister City Annual Exchange Program.
"The cooperation of the Horseheads Village helps us, and it connects our towns, and its been for so long. Its nice," said Shigetaka Komatsu, the Nakagawa group leader.
The exchange program connects two vastly different cultures, while families open their homes and hearts to strangers. This partnership of the two cities gave some students an experience they say they'll never forget.
"They opened their home to us with welcoming hands and it just truly was amazing to be able to experience hospitality from people that we've never met before, and it felt like a true family. It was sad to be able to leave after just the six days that we spent in Nakagawa, but it really did feel like they were part of my true family," said Aaron Kaiser, a student from Horseheads High School student who went to Japan in July.
The two cities have been connected for more than 30 years, a special tradition that is valued by everyone who participates.
"This committee is made up entirely of volunteers. This is not very little interaction or help has come from the government. This is a community-based effort and you're seeing it tonight," said Adams.