Ethnic Expo
~~What is Ethnic Expo?
Continuing the tradition, Mayor Kristen Brown welcomes you to Ethnic Expo
When it began, Ethnic Expo was nothing but a big dream in the hearts of a small group of Columbus volunteers and city officials. The festival was founded in 1984 when a committee, spearheaded by former Mayor Robert N. Stewart, was formed to organize a unique Columbus Day celebration for the city. The organizers envisioned this to be more than a parade or a street fair, they wanted to feature the city's diverse ethnic heritage and to make the celebration a tool for understanding different cultures and customs. Mayor Stewart sanctioned the festival as an official city function, and the festival was off and running.
Expo '84 attracted a crowd of 5,000 to downtown Columbus, and the organizers, encouraged by the attendance and the positive audience response, decided to make the festival an annual event. Since then Ethnic Expo has grown by leaps and bounds. The festival now spans two full days with many features and offerings: the festival has authentic ethnic food booths, cultural exhibits, live performances of international music and dancing, a bazaar of authentic ethnic items, a parade, special entertainment for children, ethnic art and craft demonstrations and even fireworks.
The Ethnic Expo festival annually attracts crowds of 30,000 to 35,000 to downtown Columbus, Indiana where festivities are held outdoors. There are two stages for entertainment and several tents for dining. There is NO admission charge.
The festival is a non-profit organization that relies on volunteers since there is no paid staff. Many clubs, service organizations, church groups and individuals help make the festival possible year after year by volunteering their time, organizing food booths and managing the displays. Local not-for-profit groups, sororities, church groups, service clubs and some school groups operate many of the food booths and use the proceeds for their charitable causes.
Since the event is not-for-profit and admission is not charged, the festival relies on grants and donations from foundations, businesses and individuals to finance its cost. First Financial Bank has been our Title Sponsor since 2010.
Ethnic Expo has been featured in MIDWEST LIVING, CHICAGO TRIBUNE, WTIU Bloomington’s OUR TOWN COLUMBUS, as well as many other local regional media.
Date: October 09-10, 2015 11:00 AM-10:00 PM
Location: Columbus City Hall | 123 Washington Street, Columbus, IN 47201
Event website: ethnicexpo.org
