Columbus, Ind. – July  20, 2011 - The City of Columbus is pleased to announce First Financial Bank as the title sponsor of the 2011 Ethnic Expo.  First Financial will serve as the major corporate sponsor for the Expo, an event that celebrates the diversity of the Columbus community and showcases ethnic foods, traditions and entertainment from cultures around the world.

“We all take great pride in our community and the Ethnic Expo is a great opportunity for us to come together to celebrate what makes our city so special,” said Tom Dowd, First Financial Bank’s market president for South Central Indiana. “First Financial is proud to sponsor the event and provide local residents and visitors with the opportunity to experience our unique heritage and culture.” 

As Ethnic Expo’s title sponsor, First Financial has donated $25,000 to the city of Columbus to help pay for entertainment, fireworks, staff overtime pay and other major expenses.

Mayor Armstrong has announced that USA will be Host Country in this final year of his administration.  “We are very pleased First Financial Bank will serve as our title sponsor again this year.  Their continued support has kept this event alive.  Over the past 16 years, we have seen Ethnic Expo grow and evolve into a celebration of our diverse ethnic heritages.  I am very hopeful this tradition will continue in the future.”

The 2011 Expo, taking place Friday, October 7 and Saturday, October 8, will feature many of the signature programs that have made the event such a success in the past. This year’s headline acts include Mother Grove, Terry Lee and the Rockaboogie Band, and Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band.

Children’s activities will be available from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Saturday on the City Hall Plaza courtesy of KidsCommons. 

To learn more about Ethnic Expo, please visit www.ethnicexpo.org or contact Ali Crimmins, Special Projects Coordinator at 812-376-2520 or acrimmins@columbus.in.gov.