VICENZA, Italy -- The ninth annual Meet the Mayors event will take place on Caserma Ederle Nov. 8 in the Golden Lion conference center and is open to everyone in the Vicenza Military Community.
The event, an informal fair that hosts mayors, council members, and cultural and tourism representatives from Italian townships in the Vicenza and Padova provinces, will run from 4 to 6 p.m. It provides Soldiers, civilians and their families a chance to learn about the places where they live.
More than 120 towns have been invited this year, said Anna Ciccotti, United States Army Garrison Italy community relations officer, and the RSVPs are pouring in.
"I am very excited to organize this event, which is one of the most rewarding traditions we have here on post. Based on the RSVPs we've received, it seems to be a very popular event among the Italian communities and mayors. It is also a chance for the Americans living here to meet the first citizens of the town where they're living.
"Meet the Mayors brings the two communities together and gives Italian locals an opportunity to share their cultural heritage with the military community," Ciccotti added. "Mayors and their representatives are proud to come and excited to share their towns and tips to help American families get to know the area."
Tables with displays will be set up in the conference room for visitors to peruse. Each will feature the local festivals, museums, historic sites, markets and shops, products, typical wines and regional foods. At previous events, representatives have brought giveaways, maps, brochures and pamphlets. Attendees are encouraged to ask questions about local activities and learn directly what makes each town special and worth a day trip.
"Meet the Mayors provides an opportunity for the Soldiers and their families to learn all the amazing things Vicenza and surrounding towns have to offer," said Frank Lands, deputy to the garrison commander, USAG Italy. "As a newcomer to Vicenza, I am personally looking forward to learning more about each of these unique communities."
A team of volunteer interpreters will be on hand at the informational tables for the popular event.
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