An A-Z visitors guide to Milwaukee Wisconsin. Sponsored by Key Magazine Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/90605
Photos by Mark Bertieri, MKEimages.com Holiday Folk Fair International is all about experiencing bits of other cultures. By sampling the language, dance, music, images, games, crafts and foods of other cultures Folk Fair visitors discover they want to know more. At every Folk Fair, the way various cultures prepare their cuisine intrigues visitors. Food booths offer appetizers, main dishes, sandwiches and desserts, all authentically prepared and priced to encourage sampling. At the Coffee House, coffee or tea, sweet treats and music tempt fest-goers. The Callen Construction Cooking Demonstration Stage features local chefs, with a special emphasis this year on herbs, spices and flavorings, with support from The Spice House in Milwaukee. The International Bazaar is the perfect place for holiday shopping with items to fit every budget. Booths decorated to represent the featured country offer items that showcase artistic traditions and handicrafts as well as holiday customs. On Heritage Lane, visitors interact with ethnic volunteers to learn about the customs and traditions of many different cultures. "Passports" are available for children, who then have them stamped at the decorated booths. Marking the 150th anniversary of the Civil War, the role played by immigrants as Union troops will be highlighted. At the outdoor Revolutionary War Encampment, fair-goers can ask questions of re-enactors from both sides of the conflict. Regularly scheduled shows at the All Nations Theater feature groups performing traditional music and dance with flair, drama and color. New to the Folk Fair this year are Algerian and Lebanese dance groups. At the International Stage, attention focuses on dance performances by young people. The Music Pavilion features an array of musical groups. On Saturday at 10:30 a.m., the Folk Fair holds its traditional naturalization ceremony. Other regular events include the Education Day/Cultural Awareness Program held Friday for fourth- through eighth-grade students from the Greater Milwaukee area. On Sunday, the 12th Annual Around the World 5k Run/Walk starts at 9 a.m. Phone 414-225-6225 or register online at www.active.com. Also on Sunday, a religious service is held at 10:30 a.m. Hours are 2-10 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $10 in advance and $12 at the door. Children five and younger are admitted at no charge and tickets for children 6-12 and seniors 62 and older are $10 at the gate (no admission charge for military personnel with military ID). A raffle is included in the ticket price, and winners need not be present at Sunday's 6:30 p.m. drawing. Advance tickets, group tickets and family four-packs for $36 may be purchased by calling 1-800-FAIR-INTL or visiting www.folkfair.org. Advance tickets also are available at Park Banks, Usinger's Famous Sausage at 1030 N. Old World 3rd St. and 10 Sendik's super- markets in the metro area. Advance tickets must be purchased by Thursday, Nov. 15. For more information, visit www.folkfair.org, call the International Institute of Wisconsin at 414-225-6220, or follow Holiday Folk Fair on Facebook.