Special Events Highlight Holiday Folk Fair International

MILWAUKEE, WI – A variety of special events will be highlighted throughout the grounds at the 74th annual Holiday Folk Fair International, America’s premiere multi-cultural festival, to be held Fri., Nov. 17 – Sun., Nov. 19, 2017, at the State Fair Park Exposition Center in West Allis, Wis.

The Holiday Folk Fair International’s annual “Cultural Awareness Program” on Nov. 17, will give more than 3,000 fourth through eighth grade students and teachers an opportunity to personally experience global connections through ethnic displays, workshops, mini language and genealogy classes, exhibits and demonstrations, music and dance performances, storytelling, food sampling, and a marketplace.

Approximately 200 individuals will accept the rights and responsibilities of American citizenship by participating in the Folk Fair’s annual Naturalization Ceremony on Nov. 17, at 2:30 p.m.

The Wisconsin Scholastic Chess Federation will conduct a tournament on Sat., Nov. 18, with individual and team trophies presented in three classes. The first round will commence at 11:00 a.m., with the awards ceremony scheduled for 4:30 p.m. The fee is $10 per player by 11 p.m. on Nov. 2, $15 by 11 p.m. on Nov. 9, $20 by Nov. 15 at 11 p.m., and $25 for on-site registration by 10:30 a.m. Players can register at www.wisconsinscholasticchess.org, with payment made at the event.

An interdenominational religious service that brings a variety of ethnic groups together will be held Nov. 19, at 10:30 a.m. and is open to the public.

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 Welcome,” will allow Fair-goers the opportunity to learn the traditions and symbolism of cultures as it relates to welcoming individuals and how it is incorporated into music, food, dance, arts, and crafts.

Special attractions in 2017 include invited international performers and artisans, including those from the Bahamas and Indonesia; the “Images of Liberty” and the “Capture the Spirit of Ramadan” photographic exhibits; the Artisan Corner sponsored by Debra Stefl, featuring guest artists from Alaska and Uzbekistan; the Dirty Kettle Native American interactive display; the Kohl’s Color Wheels display; the Wisconsin Woodturners; a bonsai exhibit.

The three-day event features the All Nations Theater sponsored by Fields Auto Group, 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) presented by Leaf Filter, 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 sponsored by Weather Tight, with unique traditions and customs through interactive exhibits; the International Bazaar sponsored by Bath Fitter, where cultural artifacts create a unique shopping experience; and the Callen Construction Chef’s Stage featuring local chefs preparing traditional cuisine, including youth representatives of the American Culinary Federation Chefs of Milwaukee, Inc.

Hours on Fri., Nov. 17 are 2 p.m. – 10 p.m.; 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. on Sat., Nov. 18; and 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. on Sun., Nov. 19.

Advance tickets will be sold for $10 each, with family four-packs for $36, and available for purchase online 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 2017 Holiday Folk Fair International, visit www.folkfair.org or call the International Institute of Wisconsin at 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.