Expo draws 35,000: Mayor: Festival?s growth will continue with city?s diversity

An estimated 35,000 patrons attended the 28th annual Ethnic Expo in downtown Columbus Friday and Saturday, Mayor Kristen Brown said.

?The weather (dry and in the 70s) was perfect,? the first-year mayor said. ?We had a terrific crowd that I think was consistent with the last couple of years.?

Brown described this year?s Ethnic Expo as an economic success.

With a growing population of diverse people moving to Columbus, Brown believes popularity of the event will grow in upcoming years.

?It?s more relevant than it was when Mayor Bob Stewart started it 28 years ago.? Brown said. ?Columbus is becoming increasingly diverse. The 1980 Census showed that 96 percent of the population identified themselves as Caucasian. But by the 2010 Census, it was only 87 percent.?

Brown said the city?s biggest ethnic growth has come in the Asian and Hispanic populations.

Over the past several years, some people have advocated creating more or a carnival-style atmosphere with rides and games that might attract a larger regional crowd. But like Stewart and former mayor Fred Armstrong, Brown said she has no desire to dilute the Ethnic Expo brand.

?It?s important that folks from different ethnic backgrounds get to share their cultures with the community,? Brown said. ?I think it?s also helpful for those of us who have lived here all our lives. It?s a great way to break down barriers.?

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Source: http://www.therepublic.com/view/local_story/Expo-draws-35-000-Mayor-Festiv_1350266734

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