Carla Clark | For The Republic Shinichi Taneno poses for a photograph with a Kanji, cat, at host country Japan’s booth during Ethnic Expo in Columbus Oct. 13, 2023.
The 40th anniversary of the Ethnic Expo international festival in downtown Columbus Oct. 11-12 will feature hosts, if you will, from around the world.
That’s because organizers with the city of Columbus have decided to highlight all previous host countries this year, instead of selecting just one as has been the tradition since 1990.
Before that, from the Expo’s launch in 1984 to 1989, there was a general focus on a mix of nations participating in the free, outdoor event that highlights ethnic food, an international bazaar, live entertainment and more.
The event attracted an estimated 25,000 people last year over two days at First and Washington streets. In the 1990s, that figure rose as high as 35,000 people when the event also included activities such as a third-day Sunday afternoon kite fly — a favorite pastime of now-late Expo founder Barbara Stewart.
Stewart began Expo as a fun, spirited way of making new international residents here feel more at home, and a way to help seasoned locals get to know their new residents from across the globe
Host countries merely became a way for planners to put extra emphasis on food, fashion and cultural entertainment from one nation’s perspective. It also allowed many Expo attendees to get a more personal feel for a particular country’s vibe.
“We simply have decided not to select only one country because, on this anniversary, we want everyone to feel celebrated,” said Jody Coffman, communications and events coordinator for the city of Columbus.
Toward that end, all of the posters in Expo’s history will be framed and on display in what has in recent years been the host country’s First Street corner space of the festival layout. Also, besides a 40th anniversary graphic seal, planners will partly use Expo’s original multi-colored hands-and-confetti logo done by late local artist Cathe Burris.
The Bartholomew County Historical Society is providing photos of some of the past Expos to add to that corner.
“It’s just a little respectful nod toward the past,” Coffman said.
Though Coffman is in only her third year coordinating the diversity gathering, she has an appreciation for the event’s history. Seven of Expo’s past posters have adorned her City Hall cubicle for some time.
Coffman is careful to salute event presenting sponsor First Financial Bank for making Expo possible this year. As other events in the past decade have faded because of a lack of sufficient sponsors — Biggest Block Party Ever, Neighborfest and more — the bank’s support for several straight years surfaces as even more significant.
Abby Stone, manager of the First Financial Bank downtown branch, expressed pride that the bank once again can play a role in Expo.
“”First Financial Bank exists to be a positive influence to help our clients and communities thrive,” Stone said. “The Ethnic Expo is an important part of our community’s history and culture, and we’re proud to continue our sponsorship as we celebrate the 40th year of this exciting event.”
