Festival FAQ for 2006
Indy's International Festival
What is the festival?
The International Festival is an annual celebration of central Indiana's rich ethnic heritage.
Who puts on the festival?
The International Festival is hosted each year by the Nationalities Council of Indiana, a non-profit, all-volunteer educational foundation comprised of more than 50 ethnic or national affinity organizations plus other groups, businesses and individuals interested in celebrating Indy's diversity. For more than 30 years, the NCI has worked to increase the visibility of and participation by ethnic groups in the community life of central Indiana.
When is the festival?
This year's International Festival is Nov. 2-5, 2006. Both Thursday and Friday, Nov. 2 and 3, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. are reserved for school field trips and other groups of school-age children. The festival is open to the public from 3-10 p.m. Friday, Nov. 3; from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 4, and from noon-5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 5.
Where is the festival?
This year's festival will be held in the Exposition Hall at the Indiana State Fairgrounds, 1201 East 38th Street, Indianapolis.
How much are tickets?
Adults are $9 at the door. Children (6-12) are $5; children 5 and under are admitted free.
What do I get for a ticket?
You get admission to the best international festival in Indiana, with continuous entertainment, cultural heritage displays, global education information and colorfully costumed participants plus the opportunity to purchase ethnic food and merchandise from around the world. Each ticket is for one day's admission -- be sure to get your hand stamped if you wish to exit and reenter the festival.
How do I get tickets?
Discounted advance sale tickets for adults ($7) are available at the Customer Service Counter in Indianapolis-area Marsh Supermarkets. AAA members can show their membership cards at the box office and receive the advance sale ticket price at the door. Children's tickets are $6 in advance and at the door.
What if I want to bring my class on a field trip, schedule a visit for home-schooled children or bring a group from a senior citizens' center?
Contact Pat Hubley, 317:317:225-5501. There are special hours and prices for these groups.
What's the theme of this year's festival?
Building on the theme of the Spirit & Place Festival, the International Festival is also celebrating "Tradition & Innovation" this year.
How do I find specific booths at the festival<
You can pick up a map when you enter the Expo Hall, or download the layout here.
What's the headline entertainment this year?
The San Jose Taiko Drummers are the headline entertainment on the Main Stage for this year's festival, but there's something on stage at all times. Check the Festival Entertaiment page for a schedule (subject to change, of course).
When was the first International Festival?
This year marks the 30th anniversary of the festival. The first one was held in October 1976, also in the Exposition Hall at the Indiana State Fairgrounds. Several of the same ethnic groups who organized the first festival are still involved in the Nationalities Council and participating in the 2006 festival.
Who's in charge of the festival?
This year's volunteer festival chairman is Dabrice Bartet, executive director of African Cultural Resources and a board member of the Nationalities Council. Handling the logistics is The Promotion Company, under contract with the NCI.
What if I want to be a part of the next festival?
Food and merchandise vendors should contact Yvonne Oomkes, or call 317:225-5483.
What if I want to be one of the entertainers at the next festival?
Contact Pat Hubley, 317:317:225-5501.
What if I want to be a corporate or organizational sponsor of the next festival?
Contact Pat Hubley, 317:317:225-5501.
I'm a member of the media. To whom do I talk?
Contact Vic Ruthig, 317:225-5482.
Who can join the Nationalities Council of Indiana?
Anyone interested in the mission and activities of the NCI is invited to join us. See the NCI website for more information.
How did the festival start?
The U.S. Bicentennial Celebrations in 1976 sparked the idea for the first festival. Read about it here.
What are the awards given out after the Parade of Nations at the festival?
Ethnic group members of the NCI compete for a variety of awards. In addition, a trophy nicknamed "The Betty" is presented to the best ethnic booth at the festival, and one called "The Steve" is presented to an NCI volunteer.
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(created 16 October 2006)
(last updated 4 November 2006)
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