Spend one day at the Wisconsin Exposition Center, 8200 W. Greenfield Ave., during the weekend of Nov. 17-19 and you'll save yourself the expense of one trip around the world or you'll get a taste of the world that's out there.
Holiday Folk Fair International continues the tradition of bringing together the different nationalities and cultures found in Milwaukee with its 63rd time out in the city.
"Attendees are able to travel around the world in one location as they experience the tastes, sounds and customs from around the globe, plus celebrate the carriers of culture," says Sarah Catarozzoli, a spokesperson for the event.
She says that the reason why the Holiday Folk Fair International has stuck around for so long is because of the commitment of the people involved.
"The Holiday Folk Fair International has maintained its status because of the commitment of the ethnic groups that participate in the event," Catarozzoli says. "The groups strive to keep their traditions and culture at the forefront of what they do, so current generations continue to practice what their grandparents and great grandparents have done."
Rosemary Zelenka, a volunteer at the event and former director of programs at the International Institute of Wisconsin, agrees. Her participation with the fair is, in part, because of family.
"I've been involved since 1951, when I met my husband. He worked at the Holiday Folk Fair. His family was part of the beginning," she says. "It was a family affair; everybody in the family has to take part."
She says that her husband's father and aunt were involved in the planning of the event, which was started due to the animosity in the city towards certain cultural groups.
"It was a situation where it was the end of World War II and there were a lot of Germans in the city," Zelenka, who participates with the Czech group at the fair, says. "(The city) was filled with animosity. The groups in the city met and wanted to have an event which would bring everyone together. They held it at the electric company and it filled up, it went crazy."
She says from that point on, the Holiday Folk Fair International has been a staple of the city.
The Holiday Folk Fair International is put together each year by International Institute of Wisconsin, which is "an organization dedicated to the promotion of international cooperation, understanding and a multi-ethnic, multi-cultural perspective through education, exchange, communication, social activities and immigration and naturalization services."
There are over 20 ethnic groups that will be represented at the Holiday Folk Fair International -- European to Latin to Asian to Middle Eastern and beyond -- each bringing their own food, dance and dress.
Chiyoko Haegawa, a Hiroshima survivor, has been participating in the Folk Fair for the last 35 years, working particularly with the Japanese group. She used to teach the children traditional dances prior to her current work with the merchandise booths. She says that people should visit the fair mainly to learn about different cultures.
"I think people should be exposed to different cultures and not just American," she says. "I think that's very important."
Zelenka says that the entire experience at the Folk Fair is a learning one.
"Diversity is something always good to learn about. Animosity is always happening," she says. "One thing you find out -- not only find out about your own cultural -- it also teaches you about others. Crafts, exhibit booths and the food carries out the theme You get to learn about Milwaukee and its culture and diversity. It's a learning experience. Plus it's fun. There are lots of fun things to do."
Catarozzoli says that there is something for everyone at the Folk Fair, both educational and entertaining.
"Performing groups showcase their talents through traditional music and dance on the All Nations Theater stage. Relax in the Coffee House with family, friends and a cup of coffee or tea, plus delicious baked goods, as you listen to a variety of talented musicians," Catarozzoli says. "Tempt your taste buds in the World Cafe with a mouthwatering array of traditional dishes made from cherished family recipes. Stroll down Heritage Lane and explore the unique traditions and customs of diverse cultures through interactive exhibits. The bustling international marketplace is a treasure trove of cultural artifacts that creates a truly unique shopping experience."
The Folk Fair also has a few new aspects this year, including two photographic exhibits: "Portraits of Hmong Women" and "Heritage Sites of Japan," an exhibit of Icelandic textiles and the 2006 version of the We Energies Cookie Book, which was first published in 1928.
There's also the Fifth Annual Around the World 5K Run/Walk at 9 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 19.
Originally from Des Plaines, Ill., Heather moved to Milwaukee to earn a B.A. in journalism from Marquette University. With a tongue-twisting last name like Leszczewicz, it's best to go into a career where people don't need to say your name often.
However, she's still sticking to some of her Illinoisan ways (she won't reform when it comes to things like pop, water fountain or ATM), though she's grown to enjoy her time in the Brew City.
Although her journalism career is still budding, Heather has had the chance for some once-in-a-lifetime interviews with celebrities like actor Vince Vaughn and actress Charlize Theron, director Cameron Crowe and singers Ben Kweller and Isaac Hanson of '90s brother boy band Hanson.
Heather's a self-proclaimed workaholic but loves her entertainment. She's a real television and movie fanatic, book nerd, music junkie, coffee addict and pop culture aficionado.
