Since 1981, Wenatchee and East Wenatchee, Washington, have shared a Sister City relationship with Misawa, Japan, inspired by a major moment in aviation history. In October 1931, American pilots Clyde Pangborn and Hugh Herndon took off from a beach in Misawa in their red plane, the Miss Veedol, to attempt the first nonstop flight across the Pacific Ocean. After more than 41 hours in the air and several risky decisions including dropping the landing gear mid-flight to save weight, they successfully landed on their belly in East Wenatchee. The flight made headlines around the world and forever connected the two communities. Fifty years later, that connection led to the official start of the Sister City relationship when a group from North Central Washington visited Misawa to sign the agreement. They were welcomed with traditional Japanese hospitality, including cultural activities, sightseeing, and shared meals. Since then, both cities have exchanged visits every year, with delegations attending the Apple Blossom Festival in Wenatchee and the summer festival in Misawa. In 1991, a large group from Wenatchee traveled to Misawa to celebrate ten years of partnership and sixty years since the historic flight.

Each year, a Wenatchee delegation visits Misawa at the end of summer / start of fall, and in return, Misawa sends a group to Wenatchee in the spring during the Apple Blossom Festival. These exchanges are a key part of the Sister City mission to create connection and understanding through cultural experiences. We are always looking for local host families and volunteers to help support this program. There are several open board positions available for those who want to take a more active role. Applications for delegation trips open at the start of fall and close on March first of the following year. Whether you want to travel, host, or volunteer, your involvement helps keep this important international partnership strong.