Naturalization Ceremony
Kick off the World Food & Music Festival with an inspiring Naturalization Ceremony hosted by the U.S. District Court! Join us on Friday, Aug. 23 at 11 a.m. at the Main Stage to witness individuals from across the globe become proud U.S. citizens. This heartwarming event is the perfect way to start your festival experience.
Countries represented during the ceremony
- Bhutan
- Burma
- Cameroon
- China
- Congo (Kinshasa)
- Egypt
- El Salvador
- Eritrea
- Ethiopia
- Guatemala
- India
- Latvia
- Liberia
- Mexico
- Moldova
- Pakistan
- Philippines
- Russia
- South Africa
- Sudan
- Thailand
- Togo
- Uganda
- Ukraine
- Vietnam
Vietnam
The Naturalization Ceremony at the World Food & Music Festival presented by Veridian Credit Union is sponsored by IHMVCU.
Resource Fair
New this year, the Greater Des Moines Partnership is hosting a resource fair at the John and Mary Pappajohn Education Center from 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. Participants and their families will have the opportunity to learn about various community resources. Additionally, the Des Moines Children’s Museum will be leading children’s activities from 8:30 a.m. to Noon. Adult supervision from a parent or guardian is required.
The organizations participating in the resource fair include:
- Des Moines Children's Museum
- Des Moines Public Library
- Des Moines Area Community College
- Evelyn K. Davis Center
- Greater Des Moines Partnership
- IHMVCU
- Iowa International Center
- Lutheran Services in Iowa
- Oakridge Neighborhood Services
- Polk County
- Polk County Health Department
- Primary Health Care, Inc.
- United Way of Central Iowa
- Veridian Credit Union
- YMCA
Note: Please note that participating companies are subject to change.
If you have any questions regarding the Naturalization Ceremony and Resource Fair, contact Stacey Robles, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Program Manager, and Juan Pablo Sanchez, Director of Inclusive Business Strategies. For general Festival questions contact Amelia Klatt, Director of Events.