Skokie Festival of Cultures: The First Five Years, 1991-1995

Skokie Festival of Cultures' committee members and local officials, including Mayor Jackie Gorell, at the opening ceremonies, 1991-1992

Activities at Japanese Cultural Booth, 1991-1992

Skokie Festival of Cultures' committee members and local officials at the opening ceremonies, 1991-1992

Filipino performers showing audience members how to do Tinikling dance, 1991-1992

Oakton Park hosts the second annual Festival on May 30 and 31 in 1992. New participating cultures include Polish and Thai. New attractions include llama rides and cultural video presentations. A “Passport” event and ad program is utilized for the first time, encouraging visitors to visit all cultural booths. The Greek National Guard travels from Athens, Greece to perform. 

The third annual Oakton Park event, held on May 22 and 23, 1993, welcomes the African, Armenian and Pakistani cultures. A children's exhibit area is born, featuring camel and elephant rides, games, art, and diversity exhibits. The Festival wins the Illinois Parks and Recreation Association's Innovative Program Award. 

Then in 1994, the Mexican culture joins the fourth annual Festival on May 21 and 22, bringing the total number of participating cultures to 15. A second “World Showcase” Stage is utilized for the first time, in addition to burro rides and the creation of a fundraising International Cookbook, featuring, among other recipes, the fictitious “Elephant Stew.” 

The fifth annual event at Oakton, held on May 20 and 21, 1995 welcomes the Italian, Norwegian and Panamanian cultures. A grant is received from the Illinois Arts Council, the first of many such fundings integral to the operation of future Festivals. More than 18,000 people attend. The Festival wins the National Recreation and Parks Association's (Great Lakes Region) Dorothy Mullen Arts and Humanities Program Award.