An opportunity to celebrate other cultures: State Fair Expo Center hosts Holiday Folk Fair International

WEST ALLIS (WITI) -- This weekend, folks had the opportunity to celebrate the cultural heritage of people living in southeastern Wisconsin and celebrate the holidays, as the Holiday Folk Fair International took over the Wisconsin Exposition Center at State Fair Park.

The three-day event began Friday afternoon, November 21st and ended Sunday evening, November 23rd.

The final day kicked off with more than 200 racers lacing up their running shoes! Organizers say the 13th annual 5K run/walk isn't your typical race.

"It's very unique. You get to run a mile on the oldest auto racing track in the United States. You get to run through the State Fair Park grounds," Race Director Chris Ponteri said.

The fun continued inside the Expo Center, where folks were given a passport that would take them around the world.

"It's the place to be this weekend," Dorothy Schaubel of Oak Creek said.

From handmade crafts to cultural cuisines, this year's Holiday Folk Fair broke down barriers and brought different cultures together.

"Though we dress differently, though we look different -- we are just the same. It's a way of saying 'let us celebrate life,'" Nicholas Sironka -- the leader of a tribe of native Kenya dancers said.

The Kenya dancers were on hand to raise money through song and dance and handmade beaded gifts. The money raised at their booth will help to send the dancers to school.

"Christmas is just around the corner. It would be good to buy a Christmas gift, but at the same time, know that you are helping a family back in Kenya," Sironka said.

"I think everybody should support one another," Schaubel said.

Schaubel says she enjoys the Folk Fair every year.

Organizers say roughly 50,000 people took part in this year's Fair.

CLICK HERE to learn more about the Holiday Folk Fair International.