Sarasota Sister Cities Association

Citizen Diplomats - Carving a Path toward Peace Since 1963

Dunfermline Twinning Major Part of Celebrating Sarasota's 100th Anniversary

A celebration of Sarasota's 100th anniversary was carried on throughout the year. However, even the best of celebrations must end, and Sarasota ended it with events focusing on the official twinning of Sarasota and Dunfermline, Scotland

The first official event was a Sarasota Sister Cities Association luncheon on Thursday, October 16, 2003, with Mary Jean Eisenhower, head of the People-to-People organization (and granddaughter of President Dwight D. Eisenhower, who created the Sister Cities program) as the guest speaker. Sadly, Ms. Eisenhower was forced to cancel due to unforseen circumstances, but sent her cousin, Stewart Etherington, head of the Eisenhower Family Foundation of Abilene, Kansas, in her place. Mr. Etherington's speech emphasizing the importance of citizen diplomacy to both President Eisenhower and to the world. It was at this event where the first unveiling of the official Sarasota/Dunfermline tartan that emphasized our Scotstown relationship occurred.

The City of Sarasota began the year-long celebration of its 100th anniversary on October 14, commencing with the official signing with our sister city Dunfermline, Scotland. The Sarasota Concert Band presented its original production, Celebrate Sarasota: "The Sarasota Story," a musical tribute by numerous local performers which commemorates the colorful characters, momentous events, and warm memories of our community. Joining the band were members of the Florida West Coast Symphony, The Players of Sarasota, Sarasota Ballet, Sailor Circus, Spats Cats, Lillette Jenkins-Wisner, Nate Jacobs and the Jazz Club of Sarasota.

A rousing patriotic finale featured the Riverview Kiltie Band, a stirring rendition of "America the Beautiful" and a post-concert fireworks display.

The largest event was the Hands of Heritage Festival, an all-day event that was held on Saturday, October 17, 2003. Not only did it include presentations from all of the Sister Cities (and the city candidate, Treviso, Italy), it was the premiere of the Sister Cities Children's Hands of Heritage Art Exhibit that featured youth artists from four sister cities as well as Sarasota showing how they view their hometowns. (This exhibit was later featured at the Ringling School of Art and Design before going on a worldwide tour.)