VOL. XVIII, NO. 3
NOVEMBER 5, 1976

International Folk Fair
Language Students Sample Cultures of Other Lands
'Das Folkfest ist etwas wunderbares (The Folk Fair is a wonderful thing)," asserted Sara Bromtsch in the German booth at the Cultural Center. Man lernt die gute Seite von: allen nationen kennen (People get to know the good side of all the nations)."

The Annual International Folk Fair, which was held Oct. 30-31 at Navy Pier in Chicago, has long been a source of pride to Chicago's immigrant population. Begun in 1959, it gives them an opportunity to display their native cultures and share their heritages with other Americans. Over 40 countries were represented at the fair including Poland, Finland, Vietnam, Slovenia, and the Soviet Union. All language clubs at Maine West attended the fair.

The fair ground was divided into three main sections: the International Culture Center, the International Cafe, and the International Bazaar. The cultural center featured exhibits from the various countries displaying their art and handcrafts. Many of the exhibits presented demonstrations of folk arts such as British spinning, Scottish bagpiping, Croatian weaving, and Czechoslovakian wood painting.
 The cultural center also provided entertainment for the spectators at the fair. The daylong program included dances from Arabia, Latvia, Lithuania, Egypt, and Serbia-Gruza. The Russian Male Chorus of Chicago and various East Indian instrumentalists also performed in the center.

Imports and handcrafted items were sold in the International Bazaar. Prices ranged from $.35 for Belgian chocolate to $595 for a Persian black ivory coffee table. Jewelry from Japan, Armenia, Korea, and Ghana West Africa was offered as well as Dutch china and textiles from all nations.

The air around the back of the bazaar was good advertisement for the International Cafe as it was filled with the odors of tacos and teriyaki. Pastries from Belgium, Lithuania, and Austria were offered as well as Indian curry, German bratwurst, Irish roast pork, and Chinese egg rolls. Lemonade and soft drinks were also available in the cafe.