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ST. LOUIS,
MO. - The music, culture, arts, crafts and food of more than 50 nations and territories, including Native America, will be on display at Forest Park in St. Louis from April 30 through May 2, when the community celebrates the centennial of the 1904 World's Fair and the 200th anniversary of the Louisiana Purchase.
Primarily sponsored by the International Folklore Federation (IFF) of Greater St. Louis, the event will be free and open to the public. Hours each day, Friday through Sunday, are from noon until 7 p.m. in the newly renovated Forest Park - one of the largest urban parks in the United States - at the foot of Art Hill, near the Grand Basin.
The opening ceremony will begin at noon on Friday, April 30 - the same day the 1904 World's Fair officially began - and will offer a spectacle in itself that includes:
* A Bald Eagle being present as our national symbol, courtesy of the World Bird Sanctuary, who will also release a salute of red, white and blue homing pigeons.
* Julius Hunter, vice president of community relations for Saint Louis University and former news anchor for KMOV-TV, will serve as master of ceremonies.
* Jim Cox, news editor for KEZK-FM, will re-enact the address presented by David R. Francis, president of the 1904 Exposition.
* The Scott Air Force Band will play John Phillip Sousa marches from the 1904 festivities.
* Scott Joplin's music will get a unique rendition, and the St. Louis Harmony Chorus will lead some of the singing of national and 1904 favorites.
The three-day event will also be educational. History buffs will learn about the 1904 fair in relation to each participating ethnic group. In 1904 there were 28 foreign nations present - at this celebration more than 50 will be represented. A children's playground will offer games and crafts from each country, the culture and mannerisms of each group, face painting in international designs, and carriage rides around the site.
The center stage will showcase an outstanding selection of international performances, from music and dance to the agile acrobats of China.
In addition, the event will be a unique opportunity to sample the culinary creativity of many nations - everything from Polish sausage to Korean bulgogi beef to Chinese Dim Sum to Japanese sushi and, of course, American hamburgers.
Native American culture will also come alive at the celebration, particularly during the American Indian Foundation powwow. During the three days, Native Americans will employ song, dance and costumes as they renew family and tribal ties, forge social and political alliances, and highlight their religious and spiritual ceremonies.
Founded in 1967, the International Folklore Federation is dedicated to developing and preserving the folk dance, music, crafts, foods and customs of all countries. IFF has been planning and organizing the centennial celebration for more than two years. Visit their web site at
www.worldsfairstlouis.org.
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