COLUMBUS, Ind. – Japan will be celebrated this year as the host country of the 38th annual Ethnic Expo. The two-day festival will take place on October 13 and 14 outside Columbus City Hall.
“It was a natural choice for Japan to lead Ethnic Expo as host country this year when reviewing our applications,” said Jody Coffman, Communications/Events Coordinator and Ethnic Expo Coordinator for the City of Columbus. Earlier this spring, a delegation led by Columbus Mayor Jim Lienhoop, spent a week in Japan, visiting locations such as Tokyo, Hiroshima, Nagoya, and Miyoshi, which has been Columbus’ sister city for nearly 30 years.
Ethnic Expo annually celebrates the traditions of more than 30 countries with native residents who live in Columbus. The festival was founded in 1984 by a committee spearheaded by then-Mayor Bob Stewart’s wife, Barbara, to feature the city’s diverse ethnic heritage and to make the celebration a tool for understanding different cultures and customs. About 35,000 people attend each year.
The Columbus Japanese Business Association — a Columbus Area Multi-Ethnic Organization member association — will represent Japan at this year’s event. As the host country, the food and culture of Japan will be featured in the Host Country Corner of the festival village and will be celebrated with lively entertainment on the main stage.
The City Hall plaza acts as the main stage for Ethnic Expo. The performances and activities will be family-friendly and feature acts from all over the world. Headlining on Friday, October 13, starting at 8:30 p.m., is Spirit Bomb, an explosive anime tribute band making waves across the nation.
Headlining the Main Stage on Saturday, October 14, starting at 8:30 p.m., is Brett Wiscons and the Benders. Wiscons is an Indiana-based singer, songwriter, and five-time author and has had the honor of sharing the stage with a vast array of international and national touring acts.
For more information regarding Ethnic Expo activities or how you can be involved, visit www.ethnicexpo.org or contact Jody Coffman at 812-669-5302.
