Holiday Folk Fair - FAAWIS Participation
By Dr. Jazmin Parcon-Sandoval

The strength of FAAWIS in its involvement with the Holiday Folk Fair comes from its numerous volunteers. For decades, Filipinos have participated in what has become an international ethnic festival. In 1983, the Holiday Folk Fair honored the Filipino group and elected Dorothy Clemente as Miss Holiday Folk Fair. Dorothy’s mother, Norma, years later was recognized for her many years of valuable service to the community.

    In 2008, the Holiday Folk Fair crowd was treated to wonderfully-choreographed and finely-executed dance numbers by the children, youth and adult members of FAAWIS.

    Sheila Plaga-Jackson, Chris Cruz, Flor Ortiguera, and the Abraham sisters, Becky and Dr. Marie Rebancos, have continued to nurture and inspire their talented volunteers. The FAAWIS Cultural Exhibit provided a familiar scene to fairgoers with its nipa nut, where children could get their passports stamped. Roger Mendoza and Apol Ortiguera, and their dedicated group, have continued to be the resource persons for the Philippines. In 2008, at the Food Booth, a sampler size on the menu was a popular item. Salabat, hot fresh ginger tea, remained a favorite. The Food Committee quickly realized that Main Street at Holiday Folk Fair was spared by events on Wall Street! The booth at the marketplace was a favorite shopping stop. The Filipino Christmas tree adorned with Philippine ornaments, courtesy of the Clemente and Ramos families, brought memories of Christmases past that we spent in the motherland.

    Months after the Fair, with hectic preparations over, the physical exhaustion overcome, friendships renewed and strengthened, camaraderie once again experienced, the joy savored from sharing the best of us with others, and the satisfaction of having represented the mother country at this community event, the Filipino-American truly feels connected with the larger community of immigrants in Milwaukee. It is heartwarming to note that the young leaders of FAAWIS have continued to support this yearly event that used to be the centerpiece of all FAAWIS activities. FAAWIS looks forward to Holiday Folk Fair 2009 (Nov. 20-22) with renewed vigor knowing that the volunteers will again be there. It is at this time, too, that we reflect on that first Holiday Folk Fair held on December 10, 1944, during World War II, “to prove that people of different ethnic backgrounds, religions and political persuasions could work together in harmony” (quote from a Holiday Folk Fair 50th year publication).