Rochester is Entering Into New Sister City Relationship

Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News) - The City of Rochester is entering into a new Sister City relationship.

Rochester Mayor Kim Norton is making the formal announcement this morning during an event celebrating the Cambodian New Year: Year of the Snake. A news release says the full celebration began on Friday and runs through Sunday.

Mayor Norton is scheduled to participate during the event on Saturday and formally sign the Sister City partnership with Tboung Khmum Province in Cambodia.

“We are very happy to be adding a new Sister City: Tboung Khmum Province, Cambodia and to be signing this MOU during the Cambodian New Year celebration,” said Mayor Norton. “This new partnership reflects our commitment to cultural exchange, mutual understanding and friendship.”

The Cambodian New Year celebration event on Saturday is open to the public. It begins at 8 AM and runs until after 5 PM. The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding establishing the Sister City relationship will take place shortly after noon.

The celebration is taking place at 4462 29th Street Southeast in Rochester.

• 8 a.m. – Food offering to ancestors and the making of sand hills
• 10 a.m. – Gathering for Buddhist prayers, chanting and monk blessings
• 12:15 p.m. – Sister City Announcement: Mayor Kim Norton and local leaders will sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), officially welcoming Tboung Khmum Province, Cambodia as Rochester’s newest Sister City
• 12:45 p.m. – Lunch for all Buddhist followers
• 1 p.m. – Transition of the New Year's Angel and traditional Cambodian games
• 5 p.m. – Traditional blessing dance and live music