In a January update of their Viewfinder Travel Blog, Expedia sought out some "local legends" and "up-and-coming attractions" to suggest to readers to go and explore the country. Suggestions included cave spelunking, bluegrass festivals, and a number of other unique and interesting activities and events. When it came to Indiana's, the editors selected the annual World Cultural Festival, hosted each year by the Valparaiso International Center!
In the Viewfinder Travel Blog post, they selected the VIC's festival because:
"The World Cultural Festival 2017 gathers Indiana’s many international traditions in one place, and the more the merrier. Surrounded by flavors, dance demos, and arts from all over the globe, you might forget you’re in Northern Indiana. But make no mistake, this is the face of The Hoosier State."
Each year, the VIC’s World Cultural Festival offers a variety of cultural performances, international foods, and awesome global music, with free admission. Each year the festival offers a family-friendly day filled with food, shopping, and entertainment that celebrates the cultural diversity of Northwest Indiana and the ever growing interconnectedness of our world.
“We’re delighted that Expedia has given our festival this acknowledgment,” said Valparaiso International Center board chair Hugh McGuigan. “The World Cultural Festival is the largest celebration of cultural diversity in Northwest Indiana, and its popularity grows every year. It’s great to see that people outside our local community have noticed what we’re doing here.”
NITCO (Northwestern Indiana Telephone Company) has been a longtime supporter and Title Sponsor of the annual World Cultural Festival, which takes place each fall in Valparaiso's Central Park Plaza.
"NITCO is in the business of connecting communities, and no event can connect as many communities and cultures as this one can here in Northwest Indiana," explained Tom Long, NITCO President. "We recognize that we live in globally-connected world and we need to support events like this that promote strong global connections right here in our back yard.”
NITCO is dedicated to the place we call home and thoroughly enjoy giving back to the community that has served us so well for generations. We are currently involved in community outreach programs, sponsoring many programs and events like the VIC's World Cultural Festival. We will continue to invest our time, talents, financial and other resources in support of these and other worthwhile causes.
“The festival is a family-friendly event that allows people of all nationalities and ethnicities to celebrate their own heritage while learning about the cultural traditions of others and having fun,” noted founding board member Duane Davison. “We have music and dance representing many cultures, ethnic food from local restaurants, international art and handicrafts for sale, and activities and demonstrations designed especially for children. Everyone is welcome, and admission is free.”
Be sure to follow NITCO and the Valparaiso International Center on social media to stay up to date on the latest updates on the 2017 World Cultural Festival - you don't want to miss it. Don't just ask us, ask Expedia!
