LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) — Lima Sister Cities is welcoming an international delegation this week for its first student exchange visit since before the COVID-19 pandemic.
A delegation of four students, along with teachers, government officials and other representatives, will arrive in Lima on Tuesday. The last student visit took place in 2019, and Lima Sister Cities officials say they are excited to resume the exchange.
Before arriving in Lima, the group will visit the Columbus Zoo. During their stay, they will tour the Borra Center, attend the mayor's briefing, visit ArtSpace/Lima, the Allen County Museum and the Armstrong Air & Space Museum, along with several other local attractions.
The visitors will stay with host families throughout the week, giving them the opportunity to experience everyday American family life while also traveling to destinations across Ohio.
"We appreciate the community stepping up and opening their home to our guests and with the host families, I heard they're going to be visiting all over Ohio. I heard some people might be going to Cedar Point, so they're going to give them a true Ohio experience," said Matthew Neeley, president of Lima Sister Cities.
Neeley is encouraging the public to take part in two community events during the delegation's visit. A welcome party will be held Wednesday at 6 p.m. at Hermon Woodlands Metro Park on North Wapakoneta Road.
The second event will take place Thursday at noon with the unveiling of a new sign at the Lima Sister Cities Garden on Eureka Street. The sign was completed as part of a local Eagle Scout project.
