Holiday Folk Fair facts for kids
The Holiday Folk Fair is a super fun three-day festival that celebrates cultures from all over the world! Thousands of people visit this amazing event every year. It happens right before Thanksgiving in West Allis, Wisconsin, at the Wisconsin Exposition Center inside Wisconsin State Fair Park. It's known as one of the biggest indoor international festivals in America. The Fair is put on by the International Institute of Wisconsin, which is a special group that helps people learn about and understand different cultures.
At the Fair, you can find lots of exciting things to do! There's entertainment, delicious food from around the world, cool art displays, and many vendors selling unique items. You might try tasty foods like egg rolls, strudel, scones, falafel, pizzelle, or even sushi. The main shows happen on two stages: the All Nations Theater and the Music Pavilion. Dancers from more than 30 different countries perform for everyone to enjoy!
History of the Fair
The very first Holiday Folk Fair took place a long time ago, on December 10, 1944. Even though there was a big snowstorm, 3,500 people still came to join the fun! In 1947, the Fair became a two-day event, meaning it lasted longer. Then, in 1964, they added Friday evenings, making it a three-day festival.
The Fair has been held in a few different places over the years. It used to be at a place now called the UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena. For one year, it was also held at the Henry Maier Festival Park. Now, it has its home at the Wisconsin State Fair Park.
In 2020, because of special circumstances, the Fair went online, so people could still celebrate from home!
