Little Rock's exploration of a new sister city relationship with Sicily's capital kicked off Friday with a delegation from Palermo visiting the city. The group -- which included an artist, a fashion designer, a tour operator and a chef from Palermo, Italy -- arrived in Arkansas' capital this week to take part in events centered on food and friendship, as well as meeting with members of the Little Rock Sister Cities Commission and others interested in a partnership.

Patrick Presley, a co-founder of the Arkansas Italian Food and Culture Festival, said the two cities have many similarities. "Our diversity is our strength, just like diversity is their strength in Sicily," Presley said. "I think there's a real link that we can build on here."