ST. LOUIS (August 29, 2017)
The International Institute of St. Louis, the St. Louis region's Welcoming Center for New Americans, once again presented its signature cultural event, the International Institute's Festival of Nations, this past Saturday and Sunday in Tower Grove Park.
The Festival is the St. Louis region's largest multicultural celebration, having grown steadily each year since it was first presented by the International Institute back in 2000.
"Both police and Earth Day officials estimate based on auto and foot traffic, as well as recyclables collected, that the crowd numbered 150,000 this year, making it our largest weekend ever,"
said International Institute President & CEO Anna E. Crosslin. "
This unprecedented success could only happen as a result of our wonderful sponsors and the incredibly hard work of our staff and volunteers. I thank them so very much, including our visitors for coming, enjoying, and rubbing shoulders with the world." she added. "Our visitors from around St. Louis, the state of Missouri and beyond commented about how appreciative they are that International Institute sponsors are so committed and of such high quality."
"This level of commitment has never been as important as now when the anti-immigrant, anti-refugee, anti-Muslim rhetoric is so loud," Crosslin added.
As it has for the past several years, Wells Fargo Advisors served as Presenting Sponsor of the Festival. This year's event kicked off on Saturday morning at the Wells Fargo Advisors Forest Stage with welcoming remarks by Wells Fargo Advisors Vice President for Human Resources Julie Gantner, Vice President for Innovation & Strategy Kristina Johnson, St. Louis Mayor Lyda Krewson, and Anna Crosslin.
In addition to Wells Fargo Advisors, we thank our other major International Institute Festival of Nations sponsors: Centene Corp.; Enterprise; Monsanto; U.S. Bank; and Webster University.
This year's Festival of Nations featured:
- 3 stages of non-stop music and entertainment - performers from St. Louis and surrounding states
- 40+ food booths
- 30+ gift booths
- Children's Activities, World Sports & Games Meadow, Crafts Demos, and Dance Lessons
