Crescent City Mayor Blake Inscore recruited one of the delegates to be his helper as he gave presents to the visitors from Rikuzentakata on Tuesday. Photo: Jessica Cejnar

Though it was all business during the day, Crescent City Mayor Blake Inscore donned a Santa suit, a cowboy hat and gave out presents to the community's guests from across the ocean.

Del Norte County local elected officials, business leaders and educators treated the delegation from Rikuzentakata — youth and adults — to a Cowboy Christmas Barbecue on Tuesday. After the last of the chicken and tri-tip had been eaten and all the presents gifted, the teens left for a basketball game, while their older counterparts learned how to line dance.

One of the delegates from Japan receives a Christmas gift from Crescent City Mayor Blake Inscore on Tuesday. Photo: Jessica Cejnar

Eri Suzuki, a reporter at the Tohkaishimpo newspaper in Rikuzentakata, poses for a picture at a cowboy barbecue held in the delegation's honor. Photo: Jessica Cejnar

The Japan delegation tried their hands at line dancing on Tuesday. Photo: Jessica Cejnar

After learning how to line dance, the Japan delegation led their hosts in a traditional dance from their own country. Photo: Jessica Cejnar

SHARE →