MILWAUKEE, WI ¾ In addition to the production and coordination services of the International Institute of Wisconsin (IIW), other businesses and individuals play significant roles in supporting the annual Holiday Folk Fair International, which will be held Fri., Nov. 22 – Sun., Nov. 24, 2024, Exposition Center at Wisconsin State Fair Park in West Allis, Wis.
Assisting the IIW in event production and presentation are the following:
- American Culinary Federation Chefs of Milwaukee: Chefs Stage Title Sponsor
- Debra A. Stefl: Artisan Corner
- Empire Home Remodeling: Featured Exhibition Area
- Exterior Pros: Volunteer Services and Recognition Area
- Leafguard: Children’s Area
- TightSeal Exteriors and Baths: Chefs Stage Presenting Sponsor
“The patronage of these organization and individuals allows the IIW to stage America’s premiere multi-cultural festival,” said Dr. Paul F. Trebian, President and CEO of the IIW. “Through their loyalty to Holiday Folk Fair International, residents of Wisconsin, the Midwest, and from around the glove can commemorate their ethnicities language, food, attire, music, dance, arts, and crafts.”
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 Traditional Art,” will allow Fairgoers to explore how traditional art represents one’s cultural heritage, as it conveys traditions, values, and beliefs. The featured food at the 2024 event will be traditional desserts, which have a historical significance to many cultural groups.
Special attractions in 2024 include invited international performers and artisans, featuring Folk Ensemble Lindyo from Croatia and Rocky Mountain Express from Utah, photographic exhibits, cultural murals produced by Milwaukee Public Schools students, the Artisan Corner, the Dirty Kettle Native American interactive display, the Wisconsin Woodturners, a Children’s Area presented by Leafguard, a bonsai exhibit, a Naturalization Ceremony on Nov. 22, a Youth Chess Tournament on Nov. 23, and an Interdenominational Religious Service on Nov. 24.
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 American Culinary Federation Chefs of Milwaukee Chefs Stage presented by TightSeal Exteriors and Baths featuring local chefs preparing traditional cuisine.
Hours are 2 p.m. – 9 p.m. on Fri., Nov. 22; 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. on Sat., Nov. 23; and 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. on Sun., Nov. 24.
Advance tickets can be purchased for $13 through Thursday, Nov. 21, at the Folk Fair website (https://folkfair.org/admission/) and from all participating ethnic groups. There are no refunds. Admission at the gate is $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 2024 Holiday Folk Fair International, visit www.folkfair.org or call 414-225-6225.