COLUMBUS, Ind. — The smell of cooking food drifted across the City Hall grounds Friday as vendors prepared for the start of the 41st annual Ethnic Expo, launching a two‑day celebration of international culture in downtown Columbus.

Founded in 1983, the festival features more than 40 food booths offering dishes from around the world and about 20 bazaar vendors selling clothing, jewelry and other goods. Thousands of visitors streamed into the festival footprint throughout the day, forming steady lines at many of the food stands.

Entertainment began late in the afternoon, with Mariachi Sol Jalisciense opening the slate of performances on the City Hall Plaza stage.

Volunteers staffed stations across the grounds, helping visitors navigate the event as members of the Columbus police and fire departments provided safety and medical support. First Financial Bank is serving as this year’s title sponsor.

Day One also highlighted student work from Central Middle School’s CSA 7 program. Seventh‑grade students presented projects on Ethiopia and Greece, showcasing research and cultural displays tied to this year’s featured countries.

Ethnic Expo continues Saturday with additional food, entertainment and cultural programming.

Various images of the sights of Ethnic Expo in Columbus, Indiana. The photos show food, people of different ethnicities and performances as well tents and other spaces vendors are using.
Various images of the sights of Ethnic Expo in Columbus, Indiana. The photos show food, people of different ethnicities and performances as well tents and other spaces vendors are using.
Various images of the sights of Ethnic Expo in Columbus, Indiana. The photos show food, people of different ethnicities and performances as well tents and other spaces vendors are using.
Various images of the sights of Ethnic Expo in Columbus, Indiana. The photos show food, people of different ethnicities and performances as well tents and other spaces vendors are using.
Various images of the sights of Ethnic Expo in Columbus, Indiana. The photos show food, people of different ethnicities and performances as well tents and other spaces vendors are using.
Various images of the sights of Ethnic Expo in Columbus, Indiana. The photos show food, people of different ethnicities and performances as well tents and other spaces vendors are using.
Various images of the sights of Ethnic Expo in Columbus, Indiana. The photos show food, people of different ethnicities and performances as well tents and other spaces vendors are using.
Various images of the sights of Ethnic Expo in Columbus, Indiana. The photos show food, people of different ethnicities and performances as well tents and other spaces vendors are using.
Various images of the sights of Ethnic Expo in Columbus, Indiana. The photos show food, people of different ethnicities and performances as well tents and other spaces vendors are using.
Various images of the sights of Ethnic Expo in Columbus, Indiana. The photos show food, people of different ethnicities and performances as well tents and other spaces vendors are using.
Various images of the sights of Ethnic Expo in Columbus, Indiana. The photos show food, people of different ethnicities and performances as well tents and other spaces vendors are using.
Various images of the sights of Ethnic Expo in Columbus, Indiana. The photos show food, people of different ethnicities and performances as well tents and other spaces vendors are using.
Various images of the sights of Ethnic Expo in Columbus, Indiana. The photos show food, people of different ethnicities and performances as well tents and other spaces vendors are using.
Various images of the sights of Ethnic Expo in Columbus, Indiana. The photos show food, people of different ethnicities and performances as well tents and other spaces vendors are using.
Various images of the sights of Ethnic Expo in Columbus, Indiana. The photos show food, people of different ethnicities and performances as well tents and other spaces vendors are using.
Various images of the sights of Ethnic Expo in Columbus, Indiana. The photos show food, people of different ethnicities and performances as well tents and other spaces vendors are using.
Various images of the sights of Ethnic Expo in Columbus, Indiana. The photos show food, people of different ethnicities and performances as well tents and other spaces vendors are using.
Various images of the sights of Ethnic Expo in Columbus, Indiana. The photos show food, people of different ethnicities and performances as well tents and other spaces vendors are using.
Various images of the sights of Ethnic Expo in Columbus, Indiana. The photos show food, people of different ethnicities and performances as well tents and other spaces vendors are using.
Various images of the sights of Ethnic Expo in Columbus, Indiana. The photos show food, people of different ethnicities and performances as well tents and other spaces vendors are using.
Various images of the sights of Ethnic Expo in Columbus, Indiana. The photos show food, people of different ethnicities and performances as well tents and other spaces vendors are using.
Various images of the sights of Ethnic Expo in Columbus, Indiana. The photos show food, people of different ethnicities and performances as well tents and other spaces vendors are using.
Various images of the sights of Ethnic Expo in Columbus, Indiana. The photos show food, people of different ethnicities and performances as well tents and other spaces vendors are using.
Various images of the sights of Ethnic Expo in Columbus, Indiana. The photos show food, people of different ethnicities and performances as well tents and other spaces vendors are using.
Various images of the sights of Ethnic Expo in Columbus, Indiana. The photos show food, people of different ethnicities and performances as well tents and other spaces vendors are using.
Various images of the sights of Ethnic Expo in Columbus, Indiana. The photos show food, people of different ethnicities and performances as well tents and other spaces vendors are using.
Various images of the sights of Ethnic Expo in Columbus, Indiana. The photos show food, people of different ethnicities and performances as well tents and other spaces vendors are using.
Various images of the sights of Ethnic Expo in Columbus, Indiana. The photos show food, people of different ethnicities and performances as well tents and other spaces vendors are using.
Various images of the sights of Ethnic Expo in Columbus, Indiana. The photos show food, people of different ethnicities and performances as well tents and other spaces vendors are using.
Various images of the sights of Ethnic Expo in Columbus, Indiana. The photos show food, people of different ethnicities and performances as well tents and other spaces vendors are using.
Various images of the sights of Ethnic Expo in Columbus, Indiana. The photos show food, people of different ethnicities and performances as well tents and other spaces vendors are using.
Various images of the sights of Ethnic Expo in Columbus, Indiana. The photos show food, people of different ethnicities and performances as well tents and other spaces vendors are using.
Various images of the sights of Ethnic Expo in Columbus, Indiana. The photos show food, people of different ethnicities and performances as well tents and other spaces vendors are using.
Various images of the sights of Ethnic Expo in Columbus, Indiana. The photos show food, people of different ethnicities and performances as well tents and other spaces vendors are using.
Various images of the sights of Ethnic Expo in Columbus, Indiana. The photos show food, people of different ethnicities and performances as well tents and other spaces vendors are using.
Various images of the sights of Ethnic Expo in Columbus, Indiana. The photos show food, people of different ethnicities and performances as well tents and other spaces vendors are using.
Various images of the sights of Ethnic Expo in Columbus, Indiana. The photos show food, people of different ethnicities and performances as well tents and other spaces vendors are using.
Various images of the sights of Ethnic Expo in Columbus, Indiana. The photos show food, people of different ethnicities and performances as well tents and other spaces vendors are using.

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