Traditional Recipes to be Prepared on Holiday Folk Fair Internationals Chefs Stage

MILWAUKEE, WI – Traditional ethnic cooking will be showcased on the American Culinary Federation Chefs of Milwaukee Chefs Stage presented by TightSeal Exteriors and Baths at the 82nd annual Holiday Folk Fair International, America’s premiere multi-cultural festival, which will be held Fri., Nov. 21 – Sun., Nov. 23, 2025, at the Exposition Center at Wisconsin State Fair Park in West Allis, Wis.

The cooking demonstration schedule is as follows:

Friday, November 21

4 p.m.: Martial Arts United Chef

5 p.m.: Dynah Edang, The Finance Foodie Ladie

6 p.m.: Chef Joe Parajecki, Polish Center of Wisconsin – Sauerkraut Soup

Saturday, November 22

11 a.m.: Chef Joe Parajecki, Polish Center of Wisconsin – Dill Pickle Soup

12 p.m.: Chef Lakisha Harris, Soul Filled Chef – “Get Yo Man Fried Chicken”

1 p.m.: TBA

2 p.m.: Amy Vulkas, Bushias – Kolaches

3 p.m.: Chef Arnie Gonzales, Travesio and Troublemakers

4 p.m.: Lisa DeSanctis, Italian Community Center

5 p.m.: Dynah Edang, The Finance Foodie Ladie

6 p.m.: Thai Culinary Contingent

Sunday, November 23

12 p.m.: Chef Grant Tipton, Polish Center of Wisconsin

1 p.m.: Chef Joe Parajecki, Polish Center of Wisconsin – Christmas Mushroom Soup

2 p.m.: Chef Maritza Paz, Chef Paz

3 p.m.: Ellen Amoroso – Blintz Torte

A program of the International Institute of Wisconsin (IIW), Holiday Folk Fair International celebrates the cultural heritage of the people living in southeastern Wisconsin. This year’s theme, “Celebrate the Culture of Traditional Music,” will allow Fairgoers to explore how traditional music represents one’s cultural heritage. The featured food at the 2025 event will be Celebratory Cultural Foods, which are living links to cultural heritage and traditions and an integral part of any celebration in many cultures.

Special attractions include invited international performers from Poland and Utah plus groups representing Japan, photographic exhibits, cultural murals produced by Milwaukee Public Schools students, the Artisan Corner, the Dirty Kettle Native American interactive display, the Milwaukee Area Woodturners, a Children’s Area, a bonsai exhibit, Senior Day activities for those 62 and over on Nov. 22 and Nov. 23, a Youth Chess Tournament on Nov. 22, and an Interdenominational Religious Service on Nov. 23.

The three-day event features the All Nations Theater with traditional music and dance, plus the opening and closing ceremonies; the World Café offering traditional dishes; the Tanzhauz, 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, where cultural artifacts create a unique shopping experience; and the American Culinary Federation Chef’s Stage presented by TightSeal Exteriors and Baths featuring local chefs preparing traditional cuisine.

Advance tickets can be purchased through Thurs., Nov. 20, at the Folk Fair website (https://folkfair.org/admission/) – $13 each for those eight years old to age 61 and $12 for those age 62 and up. Tickets can also be purchased from all participating ethnic groups. Groups of 20 or more may purchase tickets at $11 each. There are no refunds.

Admission at the gate will be $16 for ages 8 – 61, with children up to age seven admitted at no charge. Those 62 and over will be admitted for $14, and all military personnel with a military ID card will be admitted free.

Hours will be 2 p.m. – 9 p.m. on Fri., Nov. 21; 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. on Sat., Nov. 22; and 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. on Sun., Nov. 23.

For more information on the 2025 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.