I'm always surprised to learn that not many people in Kansas City know about the Kansas City Ethnic Enrichment Festival. I've been going every year for the last 5 years, and, in my opinion, it is one of the top things Kansas City has to offer. I always go out of my way to tell people about it starting the first week of August. It appears my advertising has worked, because every year it gets busier and busier. So here is what the Ethnic Festival is and why you should go. The SummaryThe Kansas City Ethnic Enrichment festival is "one of these largest festivals of its kind in the country" (Source). The guests can experience other cultures through food, crafts, and performances. In real terms, the ethic festival is a bunch of booths, where each booth is set up to represent a country. That booth sells food and crafts related to that country. There's a stage in the middle where groups perform dances or shows, such as a sword show for Japan. Most of the time, the booths and performances are set up by a local organization. The FoodThe biggest draw of the Ethnic Festival is the food. Click here for the 2018 menu. The festival is great for groups of people who all like different types of foods. For a family, the dad could get some curry from India or Bangladesh, while the mom rather have a Turkey leg from Ireland or American Indian; the adventurous kid might want to try turnip soup from Iraq, while the picky kid is good with some tacos from Mexico or chicken wings from African American. I have a sister who doesn't like trying new things (what middle schooler does?), and every nearly Asian country there has fried rice and crab rangoon that appeases her. My personal favorites are the moo ping pork skewers from Thailand, the crepes from France, the egg rolls from Vietnam, the lemonade from Italy, and the sambusa from Kenya (which is hit or miss; one year it was really good and the other it wasn't so good). However, new stuff is added every year, so there's always more to try. Often, the booth is assisted by a restaurant in town. We loved the things we tried at the Venezuela booth a few years back, so we looked to find a local Venezuelan restaurant to try more. There are plenty of ethic restaurants in Kansas City that most people are afraid to try. The Ethnic Festival is a great way to sample lots of foods. Other Stuff for SaleMost countries have things to buy that are not food. This can range from elephant pants at Thailand, getting your name written in Urdu from Pakistan, or a bracelet from Serbia. Some items are bought by the stand and resold but others are made by people in the organization that has the booth. For KidsEvery year they have a "Passport" for the kids. Kids can get one at the front gate and every booth in the festival has a stamp to stamp the kids passport. Usually there is a different line for the passports, so they don't have to wait in the food or drink line. This way kids will be engaged as you look at the menu or stand in line. For AdultsA few years back they added a Beer Garden with a variety of beers on tap and in bottles to drink the day away. If you prefer wine, they have some wine options as well, but nothing beyond the basics. PricesThe admission is $5 for adults and kids 12 and under are free. Parking is also free. The prices of the food are festival prices and vary from country per country. A whole plate of fried rice was $5 while a turkey leg was $10. Usually the drink prices are $1 per bottle for water and sodas. The specially drinks, such as at Laos they serve a pineapple drink in a pineapple, will cost more. I've always assumed that the money the booths generate go back to the organization hosting the booth, and the admission fee goes to Kansas City Parks and Rec. Sign Me UpUnfortunately, the festival only takes place once a year, on the 3rd weekend of August (probably the hottest weekend of the year.) It lasts all weekend, from Friday evening to Sunday evening. It takes place at Swope Park, right next to the Kansas City Zoo. More information about upcoming
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AuthorHi! I'm Amber. I love spreadsheets and painting. This blog is where I post about my crafts and adventures. Archives
November 2018
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