The 16th annual Around The World 5K Run/Walk, benefiting The Salvation Army of Milwaukee County, will be held Sat., Nov. 19, at 9:00 a.m. as part of the 73rd annual Holiday Folk Fair International, America’s premiere multi-cultural festival.

Starting and finishing near the Wisconsin Exposition Center at State Fair Park, 8200 W. Greenfield Ave. in West Allis, a portion of the race proceeds will support the Salvation Army’s Homeless Children’s Program, while the balance will be used to provide educational opportunities to help children take pride in their own cultures while developing respect and tolerance for other cultures through the International Institute of Wisconsin.

Conducted on a fast and flat course that caters to both runners and walkers, the USATF Certified 5K race that is professionally chip timed has an “early-bird” registration fee of $20 available through Fri., Sept. 30. The pre-registration fee of $25.00 is available until Fri., Nov. 18, or the fee is $30.00 day of race.

The registration package includes a long-sleeve T-shirt, light refreshments, and free Holiday Folk Fair International admission. Online registration is at www.folkfair.org, or call the Holiday Folk Fair International at 414-225-6225. Parking is available on the State Fair Park grounds for $5. There is free street parking available nearby.

Awards will be given to top teams and the top male and female runners in each age division: 14 – 17; 18 – 24; 25 – 29; 30 – 34; 35 – 39; 40 – 44; 45 – 49; 50 – 54; 55 – 59; 60 – 64; 65 – 69; 70 – 74; 75 – 79; and 80+.

Due to course conditions, roller skates and rollerblades are not allowed, and due to insurance regulations, headphones are prohibited.

Holiday Folk Fair International will be held Fri., Nov. 18 – Sun., Nov. 20, 2016 at the State Fair Park Exposition Center at in West Allis, Wis.

A program of the International Institute of Wisconsin, Holiday Folk Fair International celebrates the cultural heritage of the people living in southeastern Wisconsin. This year’s theme, “Celebrate the Culture of the Water,” will allow Fair-goers the opportunity to learn the ways in which water and its symbolism is incorporated into the music, food, dance, art, and crafts of those that participate in Folk Fair.

Special attractions in 2016 include invited international performers and artisans, a Japanese photographic exhibit, the Sisters Cities International 2016 Young Artist and Authors Showcase, the Artisan corner sponsored by Debra Stefl and Katherine Kral, Financial Advisors with Morgan Stanley, the Kohl’s Color Wheels display, the Wisconsin Woodturners, and a bonsai exhibit.

The three-day event features the All Nations Theater with traditional music and dance, the World Café offering traditional dishes, the International Stage where young people perform their ethnic dances, the Tanzhauz (Music Pavilion) where attendees dance and sing along with a variety of musical styling’s, the Coffee House where patrons enjoy a beverage and baked goods while listening to talented musicians, Heritage Lane, presented by Weather Tight Corporation, with unique traditions and customs through interactive exhibits, the International Bazaar, sponsored by Leaf Filter, where cultural artifacts create a unique shopping experience, and the Callen Construction Chef’s Stage featuring local chefs preparing traditional cuisine.

Hours on Fri., Nov. 18 are 2 p.m. – 10 p.m.; 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. on Sat., Nov. 19; and 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. on Sun., Nov. 20.

Advance tickets will be sold for $10 each, with family four-packs for $36, and available for purchase on-line at www.folkfair.org. Admission at the gate will be $12 for adults; $8 for children ages 6 to 12; children under the age of five will be admitted at no charge. Those 62 and over will be admitted for $10, and all military personnel with a military ID card will be admitted free.

For more information on the 2016 Holiday Folk Fair International, visit www.folkfair.org or call the International Institute of Wisconsin at 414-225-6225.