International Events

In addition to organizing the sister-city exchanges, WIFA coordinates a variety of activities to enhance cultural relationships in the Worthington community. Ethnic dinners, lectures and international festival celebrations are just a few of the ways WIFA strives to achieve its goals of fostering intercultural friendships, welcoming international newcomers, and learning and experiencing cultural differences. The City of Worthington and WIFA believe that understanding different cultures and customs is essential for living in the global community of the 21st century.

A mix of in-person and virtual programming is being offered. We hope you will join us for our upcoming programs outlined here. 

Scroll down to view videos of past WIFA-SIFA Live virtual programs presented in partnership with our sister-city Sayama, Japan. Programs include an Art Gallery Tour & Talks, Tour of Gardens, Student Music Showcase, and Sister City Holiday Traditions.

WIFA koinobori craft

   2023 programs   

June 12, 2023 - The Ancient Art of Ikebana -  7pm at the Old Worthington Library

Susan Haney, a professor of Ikenobo Ikebana, the Japanese art of arranging flowers, will explain its history and how it's practiced today. She'll also demonstrate using sample arrangements. This program is presented in partnership with the Worthington Libraries. 

Save these dates:

  • August 16, 2023 - Book Discussion Group (Featured country: Taiwan - List of books coming soon)
  • October 17, 2023 - Refugee Crisis in Context at the Old Worthington Library 
  • November 14, 2023 - Book Discussion Group (tba)

   Past Featured Programs - WIFA-SIFA Live!  

program closing graphic (Final)
Program opening slide for website
program open graphic for website
zoom opening slide (post event)

While the pandemic temporarily paused our in-person sister city delegation visits, the Worthington and Sayama International Friendship Associations are coming together virtually to hold joint, live programs featuring cultures and conversation. 

October 2022 Art Tour and Talks

WIFA and SIFA hosted a live virtual program on October 22/23, 2022 featuring art and artists, conversation and discussion, to strengthen cultural understanding and bonds of our long-time sister city relationship. Citizens of Worthington and Sayama Japan came together for artist interviews and tours of art galleries and showcased the dynamic art scenes and creative talents in each community.

October 2021 Tour of Gardens

WIFA and SIFA presented a Tour of Gardens program showcasing gardens of each community.

March 2021 Student Music Showcase

WIFA and SIFA held a virtual student music showcase, which featured choral and instrumental music, and also reflected on the 10th anniversary of the Great East Japan Earthquake. 

December 2020 Holiday Traditions

The first-ever live virtual WIFA-SIFA program featured winter holiday traditions from Sayama and Worthington.