Holiday Folk Fair International Scheduled for Nov. 18-20

After two years of being virtual due to the COVID-19 pandemic, producers of the annual Holiday Folk Fair International are presenting an in-person event Fri., Nov. 18 – Sun., Nov. 20, 2022, at the State Fair Park Exposition Center in West Allis, Wis.

“The International Institute of Wisconsin (IIW) and its board of directors are extremely excited that the 79th annual Holiday Folk Fair International will once again allow those from a wide variety of cultural backgrounds to experience in person the traditions of dozens of ethnic groups that call Milwaukee and the surrounding communities home,” said Alexander Durtka, Jr., of the IIW. “Maintaining the event in a virtual format the last two years allowed us to share Folk Fair with people around the world and we know they will join us when we gather at the State Fair Park Exposition Center.”

“As a participant in Holiday Folk Fair International for 51 years, I am thrilled we will bring the fun, excitement, and family experience of this treasured event to the community in 2022,” said Donna Roeber, the International Institute of Wisconsin chairperson. “We are working with the amazing groups that have made Folk Fair a special celebration and they are ecstatic to be planning their participation in this year’s event, whether it be via dance, food, or exhibition of their culture.”

A program of the International Institute of Wisconsin (IIW), Holiday Folk Fair International celebrates the cultural heritage of the people living in southeastern Wisconsin. The 2022 theme, “Celebrate the Culture of Living Heritage,” will allow Fair-goers the opportunity to explore traditions, customs, practices, representations, expressions, knowledge, and skills through the instruments, objects, artifacts, and cultural spaces that communities, groups and, in some cases, individuals recognize as part of their cultural heritage. The living heritage includes the stories told, the family events celebrated, the languages spoken, the songs and dances performed, the foods prepared and eaten, the games played, and the plants cultivated.

“The Holiday Folk Fair International continues to safeguard and sustain this living heritage for present and future generations everywhere, as a vital part of their identities and their unique knowledge, skills, traditions, and customs. The Folk Fair supports our ethnic communities who celebrate, disseminate, and promote their living heritage – building bridges among diverse cultural communities, groups, and peoples,” Durtka said.

The event will also have a featured food – Bread. “Throughout history and around the world, bread has played an important part of many cultures. It is one of the oldest human-made foods and plays an essential role in both religious rituals and secular culture,” Durtka said.

Special attractions in 2022 include invited international performers and artisans, photographic exhibits, the Artisan corner, the Dirty Kettle Native American interactive display, the Wisconsin Woodturners, and a bonsai exhibit.

Approximately 200 individuals will accept the rights and responsibilities of American citizenship by participating in the Folk Fair’s annual Naturalization Ceremony on Nov. 18, at 2:30 p.m., while the Wisconsin Scholastic Chess Federation will host a tournament on Sat., Nov. 19. An interdenominational religious service that brings a variety of ethnic groups together will be held Nov. 20, at 10:30 a.m. in the Coffeehouse.

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, sponsored by Mad City Windows and Baths, where attendees dance and sing along with a variety of musical stylings; the Coffee House where patrons enjoy a beverage and baked goods while listening to talented musicians; Heritage Lane with unique traditions and customs through interactive exhibits; the International Bazaar presented by Bath Fitter, where cultural artifacts create a unique shopping experience; a Children’s Area, where young people explore their heritage, and the Callen Chef’s Stage featuring local chefs preparing traditional cuisine.

Hours are 2 p.m. – 9 p.m. on Fri., Nov. 18; 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. on Sat., Nov. 19; and 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. on Sun., Nov. 20.  In addition, some Folk Fair activities will be shared live via the event’s Facebook page.

Advance tickets are $12 each, with family four-packs for $44. Admission at the gate will be $16 for adults; $8 for children ages 6 to 12; with children five and under admitted at no charge. Those 62 and over will be admitted for $12, and all military personnel with a military ID card will be admitted free.

For more information on the 2022 Holiday Folk Fair International, visit www.folkfair.org or call 414-225-6225.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.