Holiday Folk Fair International  
brings the world to Milwaukee

THE 64TH ANNUAL Holiday Folk Fair International Nov. 16-18 offers the opportunity to travel around the globe without a bit of jet lag or even a plane ticket.

Held in the Wisconsin Exposition Center at Wisconsin State Fair Park, 8200 W. Greenfield Ave., the three-day celebration features tantalizing foods, irresistible music, intriguing dance performances and a vast array of exhibits and merchandise. 

Produced by the International Institute of Wisconsin, the Milwaukee-based nonprofit social service organization dedicated to racial, cultural and ethnic understanding, the award-winning event is one of the largest festivals of its kind, drawing visitors from throughout the Midwest.

This year’s theme, “Celebrate the Compasses of Culture,” recognizes the integral role culture plays in the lives of people around the globe. The 2007 festival also recognizes the International Polar Year, a program focused on the Arctic and the Antarctic that involves scientists from more than 60 nations.

Culture generally refers to patterns of human activity and the symbolic structures that give such activity significance. It also can be said that culture is the way people live, according to beliefs, language, history or the way they dress. All of these activities have been part of the Folk Fair experience for the past 64 years.

“Culture acts as the compass representing our vision, values, principles, mission, direction–what we feel is important and how we lead our lives–how we do things,” points out Al Durtka, president of the institute.

How various cultures prepare their food draws visitors to the Folk Fair year after year. Numerous food booths offer appetizers, main dishes, sandwiches and desserts, all authentically prepared and priced to encourage sampling. At the Coffee House, coffee or tea, sweet treats and music are the specialties.
The International Bazaar is the perfect place for holiday shopping. Booths decorated to represent the featured country offer items that showcase artistic traditions and handicrafts.  Frequently holiday items are featured, giving visitors a perfect chance to buy something authentic for seasonal gift giving.

On Heritage Lane, visitors can interact with ethnic volunteers to learn about the customs and traditions of many different cultures. “Passports” are available for children, who thrill at having them stamped at the many intricately decorated booths. At the outdoor Revolutionary War Encampment, fair-goers also can ask questions of re-enactors from both sides of the conflict.

Regularly scheduled shows at the All Nations Theater feature groups performing traditional music and dance with flair, drama and color.

At the Folk Fair’s International Stage, attention focuses on dance performances by young people. The Music Pavilion features an array of musical groups.

A special photographic exhibit from the National Science Foundation this year offer dramatic displays of the polar landscape. A display of Bonsai also offers a contemplative Folk Fair experience.

On Saturday at 10:30 a.m., the Folk Fair holds its traditional naturalization ceremony of hundreds of individuals. Other regular Folk Fair events include the Education Day/Cultural Awareness Program held on Friday for fourth- through eighth-grade students from the Greater Milwaukee area.

On Sunday, the Around the World 5k Run/Walk starts at 9 a.m. For registration information, phone 414-225-6225 or register online at www.active.com. Also on Sunday, a religious service will be held at 10:30 a.m. A raffle is included in the ticket price, and winners need not be present at Sunday’s
6:30 p.m. drawing.

Folk Fair hours are 2-10 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $8 in advance and $10 at the door. Children five and younger are admitted at no charge and tickets for children 6-12 and seniors 62 and older are $8 at the gate. There is no admission charge for military personnel with military ID.

Reduced-price advance tickets and group tickets also may be purchased by calling 1-800-FAIR-INTL or visiting www.folkfair.org. Outlets for advance tickets are Park Banks, Usinger's Famous Sausage at 1030 N. Old World 3rd St. and all Pick 'N Save supermarkets in the metro area.