The Ethnic Expo international festival will return to its regular, full, two-day format Oct. 7 and 8 along First and Washington streets in downtown Columbus with the African American community as hosts, organizers have announced.
The COVID-19 pandemic shut down the 2020 Expo. But last summer and fall, the city of Columbus successfully partnered with the organizers of Juneteenth, Chinese Expo, Ganesh Festival of India, and Fiesta Latina and held four successful and well-attended ethnic mini-gatherings on Fourth Street.
The African American Community originally was to be featured in 2020 with First Financial Bank as title sponsor. The late Barbara Stewart, wife of former longtime Mayor Robert Stewart, launched Ethnic Expo in 1984 as a way of making the city’s international transplants with major employers feel more welcome and at home. The event quickly became known for building bridges of understanding about diverse cultures, customs, food, beliefs and more.
After input received last year, the decision was made to return to the traditional Ethnic Expo format, “while maintaining a fun, safe, and family-friendly atmosphere.”
With input and participation from local residents and ethnic organizations, Ethnic Expo will feature authentic food and a variety of entertainment on three separate stages as well as music and cultural programming in the host partner area that represents the traditions of African American culture.
Ethnic Expo is organized by the City of Columbus and is made possible by donations from title sponsor First Financial Bank, and other sponsors including Coca-Cola and ERMCO Electric. The Expo is also made possible, in part, with support from the Indiana Arts Commission, the Columbus Area Arts Council and the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency.
“We are excited to see this festival return to its First and Washington Street location with the two-day format showcasing our diverse culture and heritage,” said Jason Barbieri, district leader for First Financial Bank.
There will not be an Ethnic Expo parade this year. Participation had been waning in that event for more than a decade.
With the addition of the 1821 Bicentennial Trail, organizers said that First Street will look slightly different and some vendors may be relocated to other areas on Washington and First Streets.
For the most up-to-date information, visit ethnicexpo.org or contact Thomas Voils, communications and events coordinator, at (812) 376-2520.
