Lorain International Festival and Bazaar

Every summer Lorain, OH has an international festival. The festival is Full of parades food music and even pageants. Being that there are over 70 different nationalities in the Lorain area, this is the perfect place to showcase this diversity. There will be 8 different events taking place in downtown Lorain. This is where all the different nationalities and cultures share gifts of food, music, dress and traditions from their many homelands.


The Lorain International Festival and Bazaar is a weeklong festival that begins June 20, 2011 and goes to June 26, 2011. It all begins with an international breakfast on Monday, June 20, 2011 at 8:00am at DeLuca's Place in the Park 6075 Middle Ridge Rd. Lorain with a Cost of $10 donation. The International Princesses will be there to welcome you. The spotlight Greek Nationality and the spotlight organization Cleveland Clinic will be introduced. Later that evening a free event at 7:00pm at Veterans Park, West Erie Avenue & Washington Avenue in Lorain will take place. Ousis Band will showcase the Spotlight nationality of Greek, by performing. Guests are encouraged to dance and enjoy the concert.


The next evening Tuesday, June 21, 2011 at 7:15pm at the Lorain Palace Civic Theatre 617 Broadway Avenue, Lorain a free concert will take place. It is called the Heritage of Sacred Music, where international songs of worship made up of the many churches in the area will be showcased.


Wednesday, June 22, 2011 is the Spotlight Nationality Cultural Night that will take place at the Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church 2000 Tower Boulevard, Lorain, 44052. From 6:00pm - 12:00am. There is a Cost of $20.00/person that can be purchased in advance by calling 440-960-2992. There will be an authentic Greek dinner and live entertainment.


The Princess Pageant will take place on Thursday, June 23, 2011 at 7:00pm at the Lorain Palace Civic Theatre 617 Broadway Avenue, Lorain. This is the annual Pageant that introduces young ladies who represents her nationality in spectacular fashion. The Cost is $11/person, for tickets, call 440-320-6556


Friday, June 24, 2011 kicks off the much awaited International Bazaar. It will be held at the Black River Landing in Lorain (just east of Broadway). The three day bazaar takes place along the scenic Black River, and features over 40 food vendors with a wide variety of ethnic cuisine to sample. There will be entertainment throughout the weekend including on-going live performances. There will be different cultural booths that spotlight crafts and items from their homeland. There are covered dining areas, paved walkways and free parking.


Opening Ceremonies begin at 6:00pm on Friday, June 24. Admission to the bazaar is $2.00 per person, per day. Children 12 years & under are free.


Schedule:

• Friday, June 24, 5-11pm
• Saturday, June 25, 12noon-11pm
• Sunday, June 26, 12noon-6pm

Events

• Over a hundred ethnic foods
• All day live entertainment
• Children's activities
• Ethnic souvenirs & crafts
• Covered areas to sit & dine
• Free parking & paved walkways

Ethnic entertainment includes performances from a variety of cultures:

• Greek
• Irish
• Croatian
• Romanian
• Filipino

• Russian
• Hungarian
• Mexican
• German
• Slovak

Featured Bands
Stigma Greek Band '" Friday 8pm to 11pm

This is a traditional yet modern Greek band.

Jump Drive Band '" Saturday 8pm to 11pm

This band will have you moving with a wide variety of music, from Motown to music of today.

Fossil Creek Band '" Sunday 1pm to 3pm

Fossil Creek is one of the tri-state's most popular and sought after bluegrass bands. Known for their tight harmonies, the band is fun to listen to and fun to watch.


There is something for everyone children included. All three days of the Bazaar, there will be a kid's area set up. With an inflatable bouncy play area as well as a kid-friendly menu.


Finally on Sunday, June 26, 2011 the International Festival will end with the Lorain International Parade at 11:30am on Broadway Ave. (17th St. to West Erie). The parade will feature over 100 units that represent the entire international community.


So come out and enjoy a week full of International delights. Everything from music and dancing to parades and pageants, there is something for everyone. This is truly An event that the whole family will enjoy.