Other Bubbler News

Milwaukee restaurateur named chairman of Folk Fair International
Azmi Alaeddin, Milwaukee area restaurateur, has been named the chairman of the 2010 Holiday Folk Fair International which will be held Friday, Nov. 19 through Sunday, Nov. 21, at the Wisconsin Exposition Center at State Fair Park.
Alaeddin is owner and operator of Aladdin-Taste of the East and PitaWorks, a popular destination at the Milwaukee Public Market. He has been involved with the folk fair since 1980.  As chairman of the event, Alaeddin will act as a spokesperson for the event and encourage people to attend and enjoy the variety of nationalities and cultures coming together in celebration.
“”Folk Fair always has been very popular with first and second generation immigrants,” he said.  “But the third generation seems to take less interest until they start having their own families, and realize the importance of connecting with their roots.”
Alaeddin also caters for special events such as Zoo a la Carte and Bastille Days. At Folk Fair this year, Alaeddin will prepare falafel, hummus, spinach pie, samosa, gyros, and a chicken dish, yet to be determined.
The Holiday Folk Fair is produced by the International Institute of Wisconsin and is designed to celebrate the cultural heritage of people living in southeastern Wisconsin. This year’s theme is Celebrate the Culture of Peace. Fair goers will experience the ways in which music, food, dance, and art enhance racial, cultural and ethnic cooperation, Alaeddin said.  Special attractions include the “Art Beyond Borders” and “Invisible in the City” photographic displays, a Revolutionary War Encampment, the International Chess Academy, bonsai, and anime.
Tickets to the fair are $8 in advance and are available at Pick n’ Save locations throughout southeastern Wisconsin. They can also be purchased online at www.folkfair.org. Admission at the gate will be $10 for adults.
Attendees are also encouraged to bring non-perishable food items to benefit Hunger Task Force.

City gears up for the holiday season with extravaganza event
Milwaukee Downtown will flip the switch on the holiday season at its 12th annual Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival Kick-Off Extravaganza on Thursday, Nov. 18 at 5:30 p.m. at Pere Marquette Park.
A family fashion pre-show will kick off the event and will showcase gift ideas and apparel from local retailers including: Fred, SHOP, Roger Stevens Menswear, Boutique Larrieux, Brew City Beer Gear, Boutique B’lou, Lounge Boutique, The Sophisticated Man, Lela, Miss Ruby, Laacke & Joys and Beauty. A variety show will begin at 6 p.m. featuring live music by King Solomon and Marquette University’s Gold ‘N Blues Club and other live entertainment will highlight the event. The switch will be flipped just before 6:30 p.m. and guests can enjoy a holiday-themed fireworks program, free hot cocoa, coffee and cookies as well as McCafe Caramel Mocha samples compliments of McDonald’s. 
Downtown Milwaukee’s Jingle Bus, sponsored by Columbia St. Mary’s, will also kick off it’s holiday lights route. Attendees at the Holiday lights festival can ride for free for the evening. After Nov. 18, the Columbia St. Mary’s Jingle Bus will operate Thursday through Sunday from 6 to 9 p.m. until Jan. 2. The bus will leave warming house at the Plankinton Arcade in The Shops of Grand Avenue, 161 W. Wisconsin Ave and will cost $1.