Grapevine and Barossa Valley, Australia will officially become sister cities with several celebratory events taking place during the week of the 37th Annual GrapeFest® – A Texas Wine Experience presented by Bank of the West.
Barossa is one of the premier wine regions of the world. The region and Grapevine share a similar history and heritage, becoming settlements and agricultural mainstays back in the 1800s. This relationship will help both cities facilitate educational, professional and business exchanges, along with civic, cultural arts, and wine and culinary internships.
A delegation from Barossa Valley will be on hand to sign the City-to-City accords, along with delegations from Grapevine Sister Cities Parras de la Fuente, Mexico and West Lothian, Scotland.
In celebration of this historic and momentous occasion Grapevine CVB, Barossa and Qantas Airways have teamed up to offer the chance to win a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Barossa, Australia. GrapeFest® attendees 21 and up can enter to win at the Qantas Airways booth during the festival.
The media is welcome to attend any of the celebratory events, including the official Signing of the Accords on Saturday, September 16. Here is a rundown of visual events and media opportunities:
SISTER CITY EVENTS
Wednesday, September 13
10 a.m. Peace Circle on Peace Plaza at Grapevine Main Station (815 S. Main St.)
- Five Native American Tribes will be on hand to perform a blessing of Peace Circle which will also be attended by delegations from Australia and Scotland.
Thursday, September 14
11:30 a.m. Tour of Settlement to City Museums (206 W. Hudgins St.)
- Delegations will get to see the complex of museum buildings including the Sister City Friendship Hall where the new Barossa Valley Wall Art will be unveiled.
12:15 p.m. Tour of Grapevine Colleyville Independent School District (GCISD)
- The delegation will tour the Technology Education & Career Center, FFA, Fine Arts and STEM programs, Mustang Activity Center, Mustang-Panther Stadium and Administration Building.
Saturday, September 16
11:00 a.m. Mayoral GrapeStomp Competition (GrapeFest)
- Leaders from Australia, Mexico, Scotland and Texas will wear heritage costumes while taking part in some friendly GrapeStomp competition along with several Texas mayors.
4:00 p.m. Official Sister City Signing of the Accords at Liberty Park Plaza
- Texas Secretary of State Jane Nelson will be on site to deliver an official proclamation.
- Five Sister City National Anthems will be played or sung by the Grapevine High School Choir and student Pipers and Drummers from Scotland.
- The Queen of the Oldest Winery in the Americas, from Casa Madero in Parras de la Fuente, will be in attendance.
- This will be followed by a presentation of gifts.
Sunday, September 17
5:00 p.m. Qantas Airways booth
- Winner of the Australia trip will be announced.
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