Editor's Note: This is the second in our multi-part series on nonprofit organizations that improve North Okaloosa County residents' quality of life.
CRESTVIEW — Crestview wasn’t supposed to partner with Noirmoutier-en-l’Île, France. That privilege was supposed to go to Fort Walton Beach.
But when it came time to forge a formal relationship under Sister Cities International, it was the Hub City that twinned with the island community off France’s west coast.
The Crestview Area Sister City Program is celebrating the 20th anniversary of a friendship that has grown to encompass cultural, educational, social and economic components.
Oct. 12, host families from Crestview, Niceville and Baker will welcome 43 Noirmoutrins upon their arrival at Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport.
For the next 11 days, the visitors will delve into regional history and heritage, attend an ecumenical church service, discover North Okaloosa County’s economic generators, and sashay in a garden named for Noirmoutier.
IN THE GARDEN
To mark the first year of the 20th anniversary celebrations, in May 2015 Noirmoutier named its entry roundabout the Rond Pointe du Crestview.
To observe the anniversary’s second year, Crestview and Northwest Florida State College — a partner in the Sister City relationship — will dedicate the Jardin de Noirmoutier, the “Garden of Noirmoutier,” Oct. 15 at the college’s Crestview campus.
The garden’s inaugural wine and gourmet foods gala soirée, “An Evening in the Garden,” with live music by Jones and Company, follows Oct. 22.
Regional explorations will include a “Nice Day in Niceville,” beginning with a picnic and painting at Turkey Creek Park followed by a dinner and music at Northwest Florida State’s art galleries.
An Oct. 18 “North Okaloosa County Heritage Day” features folkways and Indian demonstrations at the Baker Block Museum, followed by a tour of Shannon Nixon’s farm.
Regional black heritage events include a gospel worship service at Mount Zion AME Church, and a tour and lunch at the Carver-Hill Museum.
THE FIRST STEPS
Friendships begin with first encounters. In September 1994, Russell Sneddon, an early Air Force Armament Museum executive, suggested twinning Noirmoutier with Fort Walton Beach, and matching up three neighboring French communities with Destin, Niceville and Crestview.
In May 1995, a 12-member Okaloosa County delegation visited Noirmoutier.
“Fort Walton didn't send anyone and they were the intended partner of Noirmoutier,” Crestview contractor and historian Joe Barley, a member of the delegation, said.
With their reciprocal visit postponed by Hurricane Opal, Noirmoutrins visited in February 1996. While charmed by Okaloosa County’s sugar-white beaches, they were especially delighted by Crestview Mayor George Whitehurst and his citizens’ down-home hospitality.
In May 1997, Noirmoutier formalized the partnership with Crestview under Sister Cities International.
“We were supposed to be the step-sister, but we were the ones who got partnered,” Barley said, chuckling. “We've had Noirmoutier for 20 years so we did pretty good.”
“The Sister Cities relationship works well and our activities have grown to be quite numerous,” René Relandeau, president of Noirmoutier's Twinning Committee, said. “The frequent exchanges, encounters and contacts generate numerous friendships.”
EDUCATIONAL ADVANTAGES
Crestview City Councilman Shannon Hayes said the relationship brings cultural benefits to the community, affording residents an insight into another country.
“Not all of our people can get to France,” Hayes said. “This program here brings a little bit of France to us.”
The friendship included Northwest Florida State from the beginning, with then performing and fine arts department head Dr. Cliff Herron a part of the original Okaloosa delegation.
Today the school’s Soundsations show choir and Madrigals and Belle Voci traditional choirs perform on the island almost biennially.
In October 2015, 23 Noirmoutrin students stayed with student hosts from Crestview High School, forming bonds that will continue a lifetime. Another student visit is planned for 2018.
This year the Crestview Sister City program has established a scholarship fund to be administered by the Foundation of the Crestview Area Chamber of Commerce to facilitate educational travel to Noirmoutier by Crestview High School and NWFSC choir students.
ECONOMIC SENSE
City leaders take notice of the relationship’s economic benefits. Each visitor adds an average of $1,200 or more to local economies during an exchange. The upcoming visit is expected to add more than $55,000 to the economy.
When the Noirmoutrins arrive next week, they will rent three vans and two cars from the Crestview Enterprise Rent-A-Car. Their hosts will take them to dinner at local restaurants, and guests often reciprocate. Shopping excursions, such as trips to Destin Commons and Silver Sands Factory Stores, are planned.
“The relationship impacts more than just eating at a restaurant and renting a car,” Crestview Area Chamber of Commerce CEO Valerie Lott said. “They’re going to be visiting a lot of places, including in the south county.
“When they come all the way from France they’re going to want to see our beautiful beaches. It’s going to impact down there as well. Anything from convenience stores to grocery stores, to souvenir shops.”
The Tourist Development Council perked up when informed the Noirmoutrins and their hosts will picnic at Beasley Park after Oct. 16 services at Crestview’s Mt. Zion AME Church. Its representatives will be waiting with goodie bags — and lunch.
‘DELIGHTFUL PEOPLE’
“They are the most delightful people,” Crestview Mayor Cadle said.
His favorite experience was in 2009 when Noirmoutier Mayor Dr. Noël Faucher made Cadle an honorary Noirmoutrin, draping a red, white and blue sash around his neck before a crowd in Jack Foster Stadium.
“We had that ceremony before the game and we had both flags flying and the band played ‘La Marseillaise,’” Cadle said, referring to the rousing French national anthem. “I felt so international.”
Barley said he is pleased the program has grown so successfully. Locals’ Noirmoutier experiences continue to resonate in lifelong friendships and affectionate memories.
“It’s such a beautiful, interesting place, so full of history,” Barley said. “The people are wonderful; the food is great.”
What: “An Evening in the Garden,” a wine and epicurean soiree
When: 7 p.m. Oct. 22
Where: Northwest Florida State College’s Bob Sikes Education Center in Crestview’s Twin Hills Park
Details: The Crestview Area Sister City Program and Northwest Florida State College present unlimited gourmet cuisine, wine and beverages and live music by Jones and Company; sponsored by Bob Sikes Airport. Tickets cost $45 in advance or $60 at the door; proceeds benefit the Crestview Area Sister City Program Scholarship Fund. Purchase tickets at www.crestviewsistercity.org or call 683-1247.
WANT TO GO?
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: A tale of two cities