Recently, Mayor Eberhart and his spouse, Sylvia, travelled to Fanano as part of a European vacation. The Eberharts met up with two other Fairbanks residents, June and Bill Rogers, in Bologna. The Eberharts and Rogers then travelled to Fanano to meet with local dignitaries and citizens. “The hospitality and generosity shown to us by the people of Fanano was incredible. The people greeted us with kindness and showed us the depth of their commitment to our relationship,” Mayor Eberhart said upon his return. It was the first visit for the Mayor and Sylvia, but the second visit to Fanano for June and Bill Rogers.

Local government officials, businesspersons, and citizens attended events with the Alaskan visitors to discuss ideas and initiatives for outreach between the two communities. Efforts and exchanges between Fairbanks and Fanano will be focused in the areas of culture and arts, sports, education, and economic development.

Culture and Arts
A number of exchanges of works of art have already happened between our two cities; the large sculpture in front of City Hall in Fairbanks entitled “Il Ponte” (“The Bridge”) symbolizes the connection between our communities. A youth choir group from Fairbanks travelling through Europe went to Fanano to perform last year.
Future exchanges in culture and arts may include hockey coaches and players, symphony and opera performers, chefs, and works of art being sent for display. Representatives from the Fairbanks Arts Association, the Fairbanks Symphony, Fairbanks Light Opera, Ice Alaska, and other agencies have met to discuss avenues for cultural sharing. A Fanano Sister City Workgroup has started meeting monthly at Patrick B. Cole City Hall.

Education
We will work to see if we can provide assistance in obtaining J-1 Student Visas in order to try to give some Fanano students work opportunities in Fairbanks in the summer. The burgeoning peony market in Interior Alaska is another potential avenue for summer workers.

Economic Development
A number of businesses may be interested in reaching customers here in the Interior or elsewhere in the Lower 48: companies producing ham/prosciutto, cheese, jam, and mining and engineering equipment.

Felice Pedroni
During the visit to Fanano, the remains of Felice Pedroni were relocated to a church in Trignano, his home village. The ceremony was well attended by citizens and government officials. Posters were hung throughout both communities proclaiming “Felix Pedro Comes Home.” Felice is revered in both Trignano and Fanano. A museum on the history and life of this trepidatious miner is now located in Trignano.

Future Plans
We hope to see a contingent led by Fanano’s Mayor visit Fairbanks next July during our Golden Days celebration.

Our Fanano Sister City Workgroup has met monthly since the visit to discuss the following ideas:


Chef Exchange or Exhibition                     Cultural Exchanges (Summer Arts Festival)
Engineering Company Products               Food/Product Exchanges (salmon, artwork, etc.)
Hunting or Fishing Visits                             Internships with Non-Profits or Businesses
J-1 Student Summer Work Visas              Orchestra
Residence Exchanges                                   Sculptor Exchanges (ice, stone, etc.)
Student Exchanges                                       Tourism Visits
Sports (hockey, soccer, etc.)                       Player and/or Coach Exchanges