Auburn welcomes Mola di Bari, Italy, as its newest Sister City

After eight years of persistence and dedication, Tony Demonte's dream finally has become a reality – his hometown of Mola di Bari, Italy, is Auburn's newest Sister City.

October 26, 2016 6:05 pm
Auburn’s Tony Demonte enjoys some focaccia bread

For the Reporter

After eight years of persistence and dedication, Tony Demonte’s dream finally has become a reality – his hometown of Mola di Bari, Italy, is Auburn’s newest Sister City.

Mola di Bari, a community of 26,000 on the Adriatic Sea, is part of the Southern Italian region of Puglia. Built prior to 1277, it is a town known for its fishing fleets and focaccia bread.

An eight-member Auburn delegation, headed by Mayor Nancy Backus, spent four days in Mola di Bari this past week. The delegation joined Demonte to tour local schools, businesses, art institutes and government offices.

The delegation’s goal was to establish educational, cultural and business relationships within the city. These relationships will provide for educational exchange between schools, trade with Mola di Bari’s businesses, and, hopefully, an artist exchange program with Mola di Bari’s Art Institute.

“I can’t believe you’re really here,” Demonte said as the delegation toured his town. He couldn’t wipe the smile from his face.

“Mola di Bari is a beautiful town. The people are warm and friendly. The food is out of this world. We’re thrilled to be here,” said Donna Smart, Auburn Washington Sister Cities Association (AWSCA) board member and Arts Commission representative.

Anyone interested in joining the AWSCA is invited to attend the annual membership meeting at 5:30 p.m. Dec. 6 in the Auburn Senior Center Millennial Room, 808 Ninth St. SE.

AWSCA is a community-based organization providing opportunities for Auburn residents to develop relationships with others throughout the world through cultural exchanges, educational programs and community events.

Mola di Bari, Italy is Auburn’s fourth Sister City. City officials and volunteers have successfully built relationships with Tamba, Japan (established in 1969); Pyeongchang, South Korean (2011); and Guanghan, China (2013).

Fundraiser

A 5K run/walk to benefit the Italian Sister City Committee is at 10 a.m. Nov. 12 at Roegner Park. Please register for the Auburn Winer’s Run at runsignup.com. Registration is $35 and closes Nov. 5. Open registration begins at 8:30 a.m. on the day of the race. A warm Italian meal will be served following the award ceremony.