COLUMBUS, Ind. – Japan is being celebrated this year as the host country of the 38th annual Ethnic Expo, which takes place this Friday and Saturday, 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, Ethnic Expo Coordinator for the City of Columbus. Earlier this spring, a delegation led by Columbus Mayor Jim Lienhoop, went to Japan and visited 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 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 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, starting at 8:30 p.m., is Spirit Bomb, an explosive anime tribute band making waves across the nation. On Saturday, October 14, at 8:30 p.m., Brett Wiscons and the Benders take the stage as the main act. Wiscons is an Indiana-based singer, songwriter, and five-time author and has shared the stage with a vast array of international and national touring acts.
For more information on Ethnic Expo activities and this year’s schedule of events, visit ethnicexpo.org.
