66th Holiday Folk Fair International celebrates weaving of world cultures

HOLIDAY FOLK FAIR International celebrates its 66th anniversary Nov. 20-22, once again providing the opportunity to travel around the globe without a bit of jet lag or airfare.

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 oldest and largest festivals of its kind, drawing visitors from throughout the Midwest.

This year’s theme is “Celebrate the Weavings of Culture.” Al Durtka, president of the International Institute, explains that “the weaving of a container, a story or cloth captures the imagination not only because it is beautiful – a well-woven basket, a captivating story or a sturdy textile. These weavings also are admired for accurately mirroring the social and economic history of the people.”

Also linked to “weavings” is the International Year of Natural Fibers 2009. This effort is aimed at raising global awareness of the importance of natural fibers, not only to producers and industry, but also to consumers and the environment. Natural fibers will be showcased throughout the Folk Fair this year.

Attention will be focused on the sky’s delights as well as the earth’s bounty at Folk Fair. The International Year of Astronomy 2009 is a global effort initiated by the International Astronomical Union and UNESCO to help the citizens of the world rediscover the day- and night-time sky and commemorate the 400th anniversary of Galileo Galilei’s demonstration of his first telescope to Venetian lawmakers. The local Northern Star Astronomy Club will help visitors relate to the celebration through demonstrations.

Artisans from Uzbekistan this year will bring their unique artworks to Folk Fair, showcasing pottery, ceramics, embroideries, dolls and toys, painting and textiles. The Natural History Society of Filipinos will bring looms and showcase historic weavings.

The International Institute celebrates its 35th anniversary of settling refugees in Wisconsin in 2009. The resettlement process involves assisting with housing, employment, medical, transportation, and educational needs. A photo display will highlight this vital role. Upcoming in 2010 is the 50th anniversary of the Peace Corps. Anticipating this landmark, Folk Fair showcases stories and photos from volunteers whose service ranged from the 1960s to the present.

At every Folk Fair, how various cultures prepare their cuisine intrigues visitors. 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 tempt fest-goers.

The International Bazaar is the perfect place for holiday shopping with items to fit every budget. Booths decorated to represent the featured country offer items that showcase artistic traditions and handicrafts as well as holiday customs.

On Heritage Lane, visitors interact with ethnic volunteers to learn about the customs and traditions of many different cultures. “Passports” are available for children, who then have them stamped at the decorated booths. At the outdoor Revolutionary War Encampment, fair-goers 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. Special guest this year is the Mexican Dance Ensemble?, performing Saturday and Sunday. At the International Stage, attention focuses on dance performances by young people. The Music Pavilion features an array of musical groups.

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

On Sunday, the 9th Annual Around the World 5k Run/Walk starts at 9 a.m. Phone 414-225-6225 or register online at www.active.com. Also on Sunday, a religious service is held at 10:30 a.m.

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 (no admission charge for military personnel with military ID). A raffle is included in the ticket price, and winners need not be present at Sunday’s 6:30 p.m. drawing.

Advance tickets, group tickets and family four-packs for $28 may be purchased by calling 1-800-FAIR-INTL or visiting www.folkfair.org. Advance tickets also are available at Park Banks, Usinger’s Famous Sausage at 1030 N. Old World 3rd St. and more than 50 Pick ‘N Save supermarkets in the metro area. Advance tickets must be purchased by Nov. 16.

For more information, visit www.folkfair.org or call the International Institute of Wisconsin at 414-225-6220.