Tulsa families joined our Kaohsiung Sister City Chair, Rex Burnett, to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival! Guests enjoyed mooncakes, lantern-making, and stories of Chang’e and the Jade Rabbit under the full moon.

Welcome to the second feature in our Sister City Summer Series, a weekly spotlight honoring 45 years of Tulsa’s Sister Cities! Each post celebrates the cultural exchange, international friendship, and community impact that have defined these global partnerships since 1980.

This week, we turn to Kaohsiung, Taiwan—Tulsa’s longtime Sister City known for its vibrant harbor, rich traditions, and enduring local ties. From Lunar New Year celebrations to educational exchange, the Kaohsiung partnership continues to thrive thanks to leaders like Rex Burnett and his dedicated team of volunteers.

TGA’s annual Coffee with the Councilors brought together city leaders, board members, and Sister City representatives to celebrate Tulsa’s global connections. Over a spread of international dishes, attendees shared updates on cultural exchanges, global education, and the economic impact of international relationships.

Rex Burnett, Chair of the Tulsa-Kaohsiung Sister City Partnership, hosted a Lunar New Year Celebration at TCC’s SE campus for students, faculty, and staff. Attendees enjoyed food and craft making while learning Lunar New Year history and traditions.

On November 27, 2023, City leaders, family, and friends gathered outside City Hall to dedicate Sister Cities sign #5 in memory of Cathy Izzo, TGA’s longtime Sister Cities Program Coordinator.

TGA hosted its annual International Breakfast and Coffee with the Councilors on October 25, 2023, featuring Sister City–themed foods and remarks from Tulsa leaders about recent global engagement efforts.

Students in Bixby High School’s “Foods around the World” class explored Taiwanese culture through food and movement with help from the Tulsa–Kaohsiung Sister City Partnership.

Family, friends, City officials, and TGA representatives gathered on June 1, 2023, at McCullough Park to dedicate a Sister Cities sign in memory of Arnulfo Murillo Muñoz.

Kaohsiung City Hall is showcasing Tulsa through a Sister and Friendly Cities Exhibition that highlights the city’s culture, history, and iconic landmarks.

The Beihai and Kaohsiung Partnerships celebrated Lunar New Year at community events throughout January and February, sharing culture and performances at schools and organizations across the Tulsa area.

On October 20, 2022, TGA dedicated the third Sister Cities directional sign at 68th and Riverside, with remarks from city leaders and cultural blessings shared by the Muscogee Nation.

Tulsa’s second Sister Cities directional sign was installed in December 2021 at GRC Park at 88th and South Yale Avenue, sponsored by CCK Strategies.

In 2020, TGA and the City of Tulsa celebrated 40 years of Sister City partnerships with the dedication of the first Sister Cities directional sign at Tulsa Ports, sponsored by Advance Research Chemicals.