FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Dave Amoroso • Ron Sonntag Public Relations
414-354-0200, ext. 108 • dave@rspr.com
MILWAUKEE, WI – Various special events and activities will be featured during the 79th annual Holiday Folk Fair International, America’s premiere multi-cultural festival, Fri., Nov. 18 – Sun., Nov. 20, 2022, at the State Fair Park Exposition Center in West Allis, Wis.
The annual “Cultural Awareness Program” on Nov. 18, 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 100 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.
The Wisconsin Scholastic Chess Federation will conduct a tournament on Nov. 19, 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. 12, $25 by Nov. 18 at 11 p.m., and $25 for on-site registration by 10:30 a.m. Players can register at https://www.wisconsinscholasticchess.org/events/holiday-folk-fair-international/, 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. 20, at 10:30 a.m. in the Coffeehouse. The service will be led by the Reverend Thomas Mbatna Taiwe, S.J., a Jesuit priest from Cameroon who is a doctoral student at Marquette University.
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.
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.
The three-day event features the All Nations Theater with traditional music and dance; the World Café offering traditional dishes; 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, presented by Everdry, with unique traditions and customs through interactive exhibits; the International Bazaar sponsored by Bath Fitter, where cultural artifacts create a unique shopping experience; the Children’s Area, presented by Leafguard, where young people explore their heritage; and the Callen Chefs 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.