Penza, 12 June 2016. PenzaNews. The sudden rain in Penza in the morning of Sunday, June 12, did not break up the festive mood at the official event on Lenina square dedicated to the joint celebration of Russia Day and City Day.

© PenzaNewsBuy the photo

In spite of the downpour, the citizens and guests of the city took part in the official public rally with their umbrellas in hands.

The first to speak to the audience was the Penza region governor Ivan Belozertsev, who said that Russia celebrates its day as united country, in spite of the efforts of the parties who would wish it to be otherwise.

“As the difficult economic situation remains, enterprises in the Penza region and the city, agricultural producers, SMEs keep showing growth no matter what. […] I believe us to be able to do everything to withstand it, keep our heads up and win it, leave the economic crisis as a much stronger region,” he stressed.

The head of the region presented letters of gratitude from the Russian President Vladimir Putin to Larisa Kazakova, chairman of the regional War Artifacts Scavenging Movement; and certificates from authorities to the prominent citizens.

The Penza city head Valery Savelyev also congratulated the crows.

“This holiday unites us through our love to our Motherland, our pride for its grand past, and our belief in its great future,” he said.

In turn, the Penza city head Victor Kuvaytsev pointed out that the city remains at the same pace with the rest of the country, and its citizens make sizable contributions to the development of Russia.

“Our city is full of power and energy, it keeps growing and developing by making use of the experience and wisdom of the seniors who created the foundation for its development. Our city has great future, and our youth – gifted, active, determined to gain knowledge and victories – is the proof,” the Penza administration head stressed.

He thanked the people for their love to their native city.

“I believe that we will do everything to make our city better and more comfortable through our mutual understanding and support. I wish our city to prosper, and every Penza family to find happiness and success in their plans. Happy City Day, dear friends!” Victor Kuvaytsev said.

Also, the officials took the opportunity to congratulated the PSU president Vladimir Volchikhin and the general director of “Domostroitel” Ivan Kulikov with awarding the status of Honorary Citizens.

The official event opened the celebrations of Russia Day and City Day.

The speeches were followed by a performance, which starred the People’s Artist of the RSFSR Renat Ibragimov.