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The Lorain International Festival, or simply the International, began in 1967 as a festival to celebrate the diverse culture of the city of Lorain, Ohio, with over 70 nationalities represented by pageant princesses and queens since the premiere festival. The International features a spotlight community, mayor's breakfast, parade, princess pageant, and a bazaar. Festival week typically begins the last week of June, with events being held beginning that Monday. Traditionally, Monday is reserved for the mayor's breakfast, where a guest speaker gives a speech about their experiences or connections with Lorain or the International. Tuesday is reserved for the Heritage of Sacred Music. Formerly on Wednesdays, but now more commonly on the Saturday before festival week, is Cultural Night, which is when the chosen spotlight nationality has a special celebration. On Thursday, the International Princess Pageant is held where young women across the county compete to become the International Festival queen.

First Festival
Starting from the idea by Irving Leibowitz, the International Festival was a way for the 55 different nationalities of Lorain, Ohio to celebrate together as one community. It was promoted for, “Those wanting to explore the grandeur of foreign nations without bothering with passports and airline tickets.” The Journal Lorain, 1967. The first International Festival Parade was originally scheduled for July 4, 1967 however it was moved to Thursday, July 6, 1967 due to inclement weather. It featured more than 80 units, while 15,000 people watched. The first International Festival Breakfast occurred the following day, Friday, July 7, 1967 and featured James A. Rhodes, Governor of Ohio, and Howard T. Robinson, of the State Department. The Ukrainian Princess, Irene Kychun, was named Queen of Lorain's First International Festival Princess Pageant. The judges of the Princess Pageant were Margaret Fergusson, Jay Lawrence, Peter Roper. The United Nations flag was used to symbolize the International Festival.

International Association
The Lorain International Association is a charitable organization under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The International Association's purpose is to build a better city, to promote the good image of the community, to develop pride in our individual national heritage, our customs and the traditions of our people, to promote unity and patriotism, understanding and good will.

Spotlight Communities
The International Festival spotlights a different nationality or historical event every year. Each year, a spotlight nationality, a spotlight organization, and a spotlight industry are chosen. The International Festival selected their first spotlight community in 1971; their selection was Italy.

Princess Pageant
One of the most unique features of Lorain's International Festival is the Princess Pageant. The pageant encourages contestants to embrace their ancestry by being a representative of their family's native country. Contestants must wear a traditional dress of the country they are representing as well as be sponsored by a local organization, usually a local heritage club. The pageant concludes with one lucky princesses being selected as Queen of the International Festival. The Queen and other princesses also serve as guides to the patrons for the festival. The past princesses have represented nearly 70 different countries, from 5 different continents. Over the past 50 festivals, young women from all of Lorain County and Vermillion have given this festival one of its most unique attributes, and will continue to remind the community of their International roots.

Parade
Another draw the International Festival has to offer is their parade. Going down Broadway, the parade takes people to the core of Lorain to see floats created by many different groups and organizations in their community. Occurring on Sunday, this annual event concludes the week long festivities.