Hsinchu County and Westmont have come to an agreement on their sister cities partnership since last year. Invited by Mayor of Westmont, Ronald J. Gunter, Hsinchu County Magistrate Chiu Ching-chun led a delegation to Chicago, Illinois on July 9th and received a cordial welcome. During the visit, Magistrate Chiu attended the opening of "2018 Taste of Westmont" and brought Mayor Gunter many souvenirs from Taiwan, including a painted Hakka Yimin Pig, Hakka floral shirts, and Oriental Beauty Tea.
The Food and Beverage Department of Tongtex Secondary High School participated in this year's Taste of Westmont on behalf of Hsinchu County. In the festival, the students prepared and served authentic Taiwanese street foods such as gua bao, stir-fried rice noodles, grass jelly, pearl milk tea, Taiwanese popcorn chicken, and pan-fried dumplings, which cause a sensation. Huang Kun-tong, the teacher who led the students from Tongtex Secondary High School, showed that through this festival, students could integrate both theory and practice and got a precious chance to learn from others. Besides, the festival created a platform to introduce Hakka delicacies from Hsinchu to the world, which was really meaningful.
In addition, Magistrate Chiu specially arranged for Jumeng Dance Troupe to perform in Westmont High School. The performance given by the Taiwanese dance troupe vividly displayed the hospitality of Taiwan and the charms of Hsinchu County, and promoted Taiwan, Hakka culture and Hsinchu County by means of art. Artistic Director of Jumeng Dance Troupe indicated that the performance showed the daily life and vigor of previous Hakka people in the style of modern dance. At the end of the dance show, Magistrate Chiu invited Mayor Gunter and Director-General of Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Chicago, Eric Huang, to dance together on the stage, which earned a burst of applause.
Magistrate Chiu revealed that 8 exchange students from Liou Jia Senior High school went to Westmont last year. They experienced local life there and expanded horizons. According to Magistrate Chiu, he really hoped that the number of exchange students could keep increasing. On the other hand, the 2018 Hsinchu Yimin Festival is going to be held from August 25th to September 1st. Hence, Magistrate Chiu sincerely invited the mayor and the people of Westmont to come celebrate together in Taiwan and experience the beauty of Taiwanese culture and religion.