Misawa Trips Cancelled Over COVID-19 for Second Year in a Row

Both the Wenatchee Valley delegation's annual trip to Misawa, Japan and the Misawa delegation's Wenatchee Valley visit have been cancelled due to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, especially in Japan.

East Wenatchee Mayor Jerrilea Crawford said October 5th will mark the 90th anniversary of the first trans-Pacific flight by Clyde Pangborn and Hugh Herndon Jr.

"So unfortunately we don't get to have that grand celebration that I think we would have liked to have. But we stay in close communication. Many of our residents here in the Wenatchee Valley have stayed well connected with our friends in Misawa, especially those who have traveled or maybe hosted families that came here." explained Crawford, "I think those relationships continue to be really strong."

The local delegation normally visits Misawa in August while Misawa's delegation usually arrives in North Central Washington in the early part of October. This is the second year both visits were cancelled due to COVID-19 concerns.