Guatemala
Mundo Maya

Ghana
African Imports

India
Pam for Henna

Turkey
Coskun International

Peru
Peru Crafts

Russia
Ludmila’s Russian Treasures

Kenya
Nash & Melissa Mbugua

Ecuador
Renata Kelly

Niger
Ethnic Tuoreg Craft from the Sahara

Mexico
Acapulco Crafts

Thailand
Dean Morris

Ecuador
Inty Craft 

“The Ethnic Expo is an important event that celebrates our city’s strong traditions and diverse community,” said Tom Dowd, market president for First Financial Bank. “This event impacts our community in so many positive ways and First Financial is proud to support the event for the third year in a row.”

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 Brown announced that Brazil will be the host country this year. “We are so thrilled to continue to be able to hold such a wonderful event in Columbus. Ethnic Expo has a long tradition of celebrating diversity and we have benefited over the years by the richness of cultures represented in our community. We are also so appreciative to First Financial Bank for their leadership in supporting Ethnic Expo, and in partnering with the city to provide a great event that everyone in the city can be part of and enjoy.”

The 2012 Expo, taking place Friday, October 12 and Saturday, October 13, 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 and Chicago Samba.

Children’s activities will be available from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Saturday next to the information booth 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.

To learn more about First Financial Bank, visit www.bankatfirst.com or www.facebook.com/FirstFinancialBank.

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About First Financial Bancorp

First Financial Bancorp is a Cincinnati, Ohio based bank holding company. As of June 30, 2012, the Company had $6.3 billion in assets, $3.9 billion in loans, $5.1 billion in deposits and $717 million in shareholders’ equity. The Company’s subsidiary, First Financial Bank, N.A., founded in 1863, provides banking and financial services products through its three lines of business: commercial, retail and wealth management. The commercial and retail units provide traditional banking services to business and consumer clients. First Financial Wealth Management provides wealth planning, portfolio management, trust and estate, brokerage and retirement plan services and had approximately $2.3 billion in assets under management as of June 30, 2012. The Company’s strategic operating markets are located in Ohio, Indiana and Kentucky where it operates 129 banking centers. Additional information about the Company, including its products, services and banking locations is available at www.bankatfirst.com

Friday
Mother Grove (pictured above) – Celtic Rock

Saturday
Chicago Samba -  (pictured above): Brazilian Dance Music

Look for more information about the bands and additional entertainment soon.

Amanda’s design reflects these changes, “I chose to include the faded “people” figures within the word “ethnic” as a representation of how Ethnic Expo engages so many in our community to experience cultures they may not get the opportunity to learn about in person. I chose the color blue because it means purity, stability and peace. I think that for one weekend per year, Ethnic Expo provides a relaxed, peaceful setting for us to taste the food, hear the music and shop the products of the world.”

Festival features and offerings include authentic ethnic food booths, cultural exhibits, live performances of international music and dancing, a bazaar of authentic ethnic items, a parade, special entertainment for children, and even fireworks.  There are two stages for entertainment and several tents for dining.

Since the event is not-for-profit and admission is not charged, the festival relies on grants and donations from foundations, businesses and individuals to finance its cost.  First Financial Bank has been the Title Sponsor of the expo since 2010.  

Ethnic Expo is a non-profit organization that relies on volunteers. Many clubs, service organizations, church groups and individuals help make the festival possible year after year by volunteering their time, organizing food booths and managing the displays. Local not-for-profit groups, sororities, church groups, service clubs and some school groups operate many of the food booths and use the proceeds for their charitable causes.

Amanda is a Columbus native, and graduated from Columbus North, then Franklin College with a degree in Journalism. For the past three years, she has worked as Senior Graphic Artist for Home News Enterprises magazine division, designing Hamilton County’s NORTH magazine, and Bartholomew County’s Columbus magazine.  She will receive $500, two shirts with new logo, ride in the Ethnic Expo parade and receive special recognition at the judges’ stand.

Ethnic Expo will be held October 12^th and 13^th, in the streets surrounding City Hall at 123 Washington Street.  This year’s host country is Brazil.

The parade will be held on October 13^th at 11:00 am.  Please contact Anita Palmer at anita.d.palmer@cummins.com  or 377.3812 for more information.

Children’s activities will be from 2:00 to 4:00 pm on Saturday.