Kaplan welcomes tourists from sister city, Hannut, Belgium

Rodricka Taylor
·2 min read

KAPLAN, La. (KLFY)– At City Hall, Kaplan city leaders welcome 23 tourists from their sister city Hannut, Belgium; originally it was 28, but some could not make the trip due to certain circumstances. However, thoughts and prayers were sent out to those still in Hannut and hope for their visit next trip.

Mayor Mike Kloesel said the friendship between the two cities started 26 years ago in 1998. Since then over 100 members from both cities traveled to each other’s homeland and spent time with their host families.

“In the next five days, host families who are members of the Kaplan Jumelage will continue to expand those friendships and in some cases develop new bonds and new relationships,” Kloesel announced.

Didier Hougardy who is a councilman of Hannut said he has visited the United States four times for the Jumelage.

“When you see all the hospitality and the friendship of the American people, it’s very nice,” Hougardy said.

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He recalls past visits to Texas, Orlando, Florida, New York and the birthplace of the United States, Philadelphia.

This year different families will be taking their Belgium guests to different places such as Rodrigues Exhibit, the Crawfish Festival, Cajun food tours and even tours and dinner in New Orleans.

Hougardy recalled his favorite moments about his visits saying, “We made a trip to the Mississippi River. Also, I like shrimp. We eat shrimp. It’s very interesting. I also like to visit Plantation. You have a big history with the Civil War here in Louisiana and it’s very interesting to me to also go to the north to see the cotton fields. There’s a lot of things to do and every time we come here, we discover new things.”

At the ceremony many gifts were exchanged as Kaplan Jumelage gave a key to the city, and a flag painted with Kaplan culture from Leah Briolo, a local artist and an alligator pitch to their Belgium guest; the gifts didn’t stop there.

Hannut shared a gift as a way of bridging the gap between the two cities across the ocean. They called it a “masterpiece” by a local artist, Matt Gesquière: a sculptured metal pelican. The Hannut committee said the city of Hannut, their regional capital, has commissioned the artist to create ten works of art to be displayed throughout the city. As Hannut is twinned with Lafayette, Kaplan will be the first city to display Kalbut’s work preceding Namur, which will be unveiled at the festival next September.

“God bless Louisiana and Belgium, and as we say here Laissez les bon temps rouler,” Hougardy said.

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