71St Annual Holiday Folk Fair International

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 the Artisan,” will allow Fair-goers the opportunity to learn the ways in which artisans use manual and artistic skills to share the stories of their backgrounds, along with how music, food, dance, and art bring together people from different life experiences.

Special attractions in 2014 include invited international performers and artisans representing Canada, Ecuador, Japan, Kenya, and Ukraine, the “Connect Globally. Thrive Locally.” Sisters Cities International art exhibit, the Kohl’s Color Wheels display, the Wisconsin Woodturners, and a bonsai exhibit.

The three-day event features the All Nations Theater with traditional music and dance performed by more than 25 cultural groups, plus the opening and closing ceremonies, the World Café presented by Associated Bank offering a wide assortment of delicacies from around the world, the International Stage where young people perform their traditional dances, the Tanzhauz (Music Pavilion) where attendees dance and sing along with a variety of musical styling’s, Heritage Lane with traditional customs from diverse cultures brought to life, the International Bazaar where cultural artifacts create a unique shopping experience, and the Callen Construction Chef’s Stage presented by Edible Milwaukee Magazine, featuring local chefs preparing traditional cuisine.

Holiday Folk Fair International will also host a Naturalization Ceremony on Nov. 21 at 2:00 p.m., the “Around the World” 5K Run/Walk benefitting The Salvation Army of Milwaukee County on Nov. 23 at 9:00 a.m., and an interdenominational religious service at 10:30 a.m. on Nov. 23.

Hours on Fri., Nov. 21 are 2 p.m. – 10 p.m.; 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. on Sat., Nov. 22; and 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. on Sun., Nov. 23.  Advance tickets will be sold for $10 each, with family four-packs for $36, and available for purchase on-line 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.