FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT
Dave Amoroso • Ron Sonntag Public Relations, Inc.
414-354-0200, ext. 108 • dave@rspr.com
MILWAUKEE, WI ⎯ Various special events and activities will be featured during the 80th annual Holiday Folk Fair International, America’s premiere multi-cultural festival, Fri., Nov. 17 – Sun., Nov. 19, 2023, at the Exposition Center at Wisconsin State Fair Park in West Allis, Wis.
The annual “Cultural Awareness Program” on Nov. 17, will allow thousands of 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, ethnic foods, and a marketplace.
More than 250 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 p.m.
The Wisconsin Scholastic Chess Federation will conduct a tournament on Nov. 18, with individual trophies given to the top five players in each division, team trophies presented in three classes, and medals given to all participants. The first round will commence at 11:00 a.m., with the awards ceremony scheduled for 4:30 p.m. The fee is $20 per player by 11 p.m. on Nov. 15, and $25 for on-site registration by 10:30 a.m. Players can register on the website, with registration and payment also available 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. in the Coffeehouse.
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 2023 theme, “Celebrate the Culture of Traditional Dress,” will allow Fairgoers the opportunity to explore how groups share their culture and traditions through the apparel they wear. The featured food at the 2023 event will be rice, considered one of the most important foods in the world.
Special attractions in 2023 include invited international performers and artisans, photographic exhibits, cultural murals produced by Milwaukee Public Schools students, the Artisan corner, the Dirty Kettle Native American interactive 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 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 Callen Chef’s Stage featuring local chefs preparing traditional cuisine.
Hours will be 2 p.m. – 9 p.m. on Fri., Nov. 17; 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. on Sat., Nov. 18; and 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. on Sun., Nov. 19.
Advance tickets, which are available for purchase at the Folk Fair website, are $13 each for eight years old and up. 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.
For more information on the 2023 Holiday Folk Fair International, www.folkfair.org or call 414-225-6225.