Continuing in the tradition, Mayor Fred Armstrong and his wife Kathi welcome 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. It is now a two-day event 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, a Volksmarch which is a non-competitive
family fitness walk sanctioned by the American Volksport Association, ethnic art and craft demonstration and
even fireworks.
Ethnic Expo festival annually attracts crowds of 35,000 to 40,000 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 indivduals to finance its cost.
Ethnic Expo has been featured in MIDWEST LIVING
and the CHICAGO TRIBUNE as well as many other local regional media.
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