By Staff
April 25th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Burlington’s Mundialization Committee is inviting the community to take part in two free events to celebrate our city’s friendships with its twin cities — Apeldoorn, the Netherlands and Itabashi, Japan.
The events will mark two significant milestones — 20 years of twinning with Apeldoorn, and the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Apeldoorn by Canadian soldiers at the end of the Second World War.
Burlington Teen Tour Band at a previous event in Apeldoorn.
The Burlington delegation to Apeldoorn will take place from Friday, May 2 to Tuesday, May 6; it will include representatives from the Mundialization Committee, Mayor Meed Ward, and senior City staff — the media release did not include the names of the full delegation – we will dig that out for you.
The focus is reported to be on commemorative events and ceremonies marking the liberation of the Netherlands and the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War. The delegation will join a remembrance ceremony at the Canadian war cemetery and take part in a silent walk to Oranjepark on May 4, followed by the Freedom Parade on May 5.
Canada Netherlands Friendship Day will take place at LaSalle Park Pavilion, 50 North Shore Blvd. E. – Saturday, May 24 – 10 – 11:30 a.m. – Event – 11:30 a.m. – Reception
Open to the public, the event will mark the 20th anniversary of Burlington’s twinning with Apeldoorn — a friendship rooted in a shared history, remembrance and the promotion of peace.
Features of the event include:
- Welcome messages from Mayor Marianne Meed Ward, Mr. Harman Idema, Consul General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, and Elizabeth Witmer, former Deputy Premier and Past Chair, WSIB
- Performances by the Burlington Teen Tour Band and Enchorus Children’s Choir
- A special exhibit of artwork created by Burlington and Apeldoorn elementary school students
The Itabashi, Japan relationship events will take place Saturday, May 10, 1:00 – 3:30 p.m.
The Sakura Festival will take place at the Performing Arts Centre in the Family Lobby.
The spring arrival of the Japanese cherry blossoms at Spencer Smith Park always highlight Burlington’s 36-year friendship with our twin city, Itabashi, Japan.
Features of this event include:
- Performances by Burlington’s Do Kon Daiko Japanese drumming group and internationally renowned taiko group Nagata Shachu
- Karate, aikido and iaido demonstrations
- Suzuran odori (traditional dance) performances
- Yosakoi dance by Sakuramai Toronto
Another taxpayer funded junket for the Mayor and friends.