Sister Cities Celebrate 60 Years

Sixty years ago today, Aug. 24, 1957, Deauville and Lexington officials signed a charter which forever sealed a strong relationship between the two major horse capitals. Mrs. Lyman Wagers –representing Lexington Mayor Shelby Kincaid–and Deauville Mayor Robert Fossorier, co-signed the document, “with a view to furthering all linguistic, touristic, economic and social exchanges that may interest their citizens.”

The initial ceremonies took place in the Norman resort at the then peak of the racing season. Guests later enjoyed the 86th running of the Grand Prix de Deauville. Victory went to the French-bred 3-year-old Scot (Fr) (Souverain {Fr}) who ran the classic colors of Madame Del Cino. In attendance were the representatives of the American Embassy and the American center, as well as members of the US Air Force's 317th Troop Carrier Group stationed in nearby Evreux.

Members of the racing and breeding industry were, of course, included. Common equine interests cement the links between what Mayor Fossorier humbly called “our little town” and “your very important city.” The following year, 40 high school students spent part of their summer in Deauville. Over the past six decades, the many programs have evolved to also encompass scholarships for university students of each city to student abroad, internships and work placement opportunities. Many lives have been touched if not forever changed by the Lexington Deauville Sister Cities programs. The countdown for the 60th anniversary (and the Sept. 14th arrival of the Lexington delegation in Deauville) started on Bastille day. Every day since, a bilingual blog (go to www.lexingtonsistercities.blogspot.com) shares memories and testimonies of exchange participants. A group from Deauville will visit Lexington in late October, a week before the Breeders' Cup.

For more information, you can also visit www.facebook.com/lexingtonsistercities.