Learn more about the Kalamazoo Russian Festival here.
Ludmilla Chapman (pictured right) of Ludmilla's Treasures
This page and information is here to help you learn more about the Kalamazoo Russian Festival. There is general information for planning purposes, please see our Program of Events page for specific information on this year's entertainment.
at a glance...
The Kalamazoo Russian Festival
When: Saturday, November 17th, 2012 from 10a - 5p
Where: Fetzer Center, WMU Campus, Kalamazoo, MI
Cost: Adults: $10, Students: $5, Age 12 and under - $2 -- Family Pass - $20
When: Saturday, November 17th, 2012 from 10a - 5p
Where: Fetzer Center, WMU Campus, Kalamazoo, MI
Cost: Adults: $10, Students: $5, Age 12 and under - $2 -- Family Pass - $20
What to expect
The Kalamazoo Russian Festival is an all day event with a combination of scheduled programs and open format that runs from 10A to 4P. One of the first things many festival guests like to do is to grab a schedule and mark their "must sees". At a typical festival we will have at least three musical performances, a theater production, and a vocal choir, with a variety of lectures and ceremonies mixed in. Past years have also seen specialty acts ranging from professional puppet shows, to magicians, and jugglers. Once you have decided when to be where, your time between programs can be spent roaming one of our two exhibition halls full of vendors, perusing the art gallery, enjoying music and crafts in the children's room, or stopping by the chess room to challenge our local professional or a friend. There is also Russian cuisine available from 11A - 2:30P.
Cost
Ticket price is $10 an adult, $5 per student, and just $2 for twelve and under. We are also introducing a Family Pass for $20. All performances at the Festival are included in the ticket cost. Food is purchased separately and served a la carte. Cash and check are accepted. All proceeds support the festival.
Did you know?
Our Festival is complemented with academic seminars, symphonic exhibitions, and other ceremonies and celebrations during the week leading up to the festival? Once more of these events are planned for 2011, information will be posted on this website on this page or with a separate link. Tickets for these events are sold seperately and available at the venue.
About the Fetzer Center at WMU
The Fetzer Center at WMU is a state of the art facility that we book exclusively for the Festival. The building is handicap accessible, and the parking on the day of the festival is free. You can learn more about the Fetzer Center by clicking on their webpage found at www.wmich.edu/fetzer/
Make sure when you are planning your trip to our festival that you don't confuse the Fetzer Center with the Fetzer Institute, also in Kalamazoo, but a completely separate facility.
Vendors
Examining hand crafted birch pieces
We are fortunate to have many regular and new vendors at each festival. They come from the local area and beyond to represent a variety of organizations and goods. You can spend your money on souvenir- like trinkets, locally crafted goods, or even high-end handmade imports. Jewelry, books, table linens, Russian groceries, matryoshka dolls, shawls, and more are exhibited and sold in our "market". You can also learn about local organizations that interact with the Russian community, such as non-profits, camps, churches, and associations. To see the 2011 Marketplace, visit this link: 2011 Russian Festival Marketplace. If you are interested in joining us as a vendor, please visit our Vendor Information Page.
Silent Auction
Among many other things that people have come to love from year to year, the Festival's silent auction is a favorite. Donated and purchased items are up for bid! There are typically two "closing bells" and bidders have until a designated time to write their bid in on favorite items. Items include packages from local businesses, Russian books and souvenirs, and almost anything else you can imagine!
Are you a business or individual that would like to donate something for the Silent Auction? Please, drop us a note on our Contact Page! Funds raised support the Kalamazoo Russian Cultural Association.
Directions to the Festival
Are found on the drop down menu under Festival Information or by clicking this link: Directions
Fairfield Inn East is the preferred hotelier of our 2011 sponsor. The same team is responsible for the Baymont Inn on the west side of town as well. Make sure to mention the Russian Festival to get a special rate the weekend of the Festival!!
Keeping Current
Information regarding the Kalamazoo Russian Festival will be posted on this page or the Program of Events page. However, if you are a Facebook user, and you'd rather have your festival updates appear in your newsfeed, you can use the box below to "Like" our Facebook page, and get information as we post it. For events outside of the festival, please check our Current Events page.
