American Fair coming to Korat for US 250th anniversary

The US Embassy in Thailand will hold an American Fair in Nakhon Ratchasima, or Korat, from 2-4 October to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States.

The free public event will be held at Mayfair Market and will feature live music, food booths and exhibitions showcasing American history and culture, as well as US innovations and food products.

The fair will offer activities for the whole family, including balloon shows and rides, a chicken-crowing imitation contest, swing dancing, games and screenings of popular American films.

Food offerings will include local favourites from Korat, American-style dishes and a range of US food products. One highlight will be 3D ice cream shaped like the Statue of Liberty.

The event will also feature exhibitions from American companies and displays of new products, along with information about the work of US government agencies in Thailand.

US Ambassador to Thailand Sean O’Neill invited both Americans and Thais to join the celebration.

“This year, the United States turns 250, and there is no better way to celebrate than with great food, good music and fun activities in Korat,” O’Neill said. “I hope American and Thai friends will come out and celebrate together at the American Fair.”

Participating US brands and partners include CP, ThaiBev, KFC, RMA, representing Ford and John Deere, Dow Chemical, Jim Thompson Farm, Harley-Davidson, Coca-Cola and Tesla.

US government agencies in Thailand taking part include the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), EducationUSA and the Thai-American Alumni Association, American Corners, the American Citizen Services section, the Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Sciences (AFRIMS), the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).

Special performances will include the world champion marching band from Ratchasima Witthayalai School, a trained dog show, swing dancing by Jelly Roll Jazz Club, bluegrass music by Siam Bluegrass, a performance by American diplomats, the Suranaree Wittaya School Women’s Wind Orchestra and the KFC Bucket Search “Bak Kham Phan” band.

Activities will include balloon rides, test drives of American car brands, relay races, musical chairs, a Thai-US tug-of-war, cooking demonstrations, an America-themed quiz, friendship bracelet and keychain DIY activities, face painting, an inflatable play area and other games and competitions.

The American Fair will next travel to Chiang Mai from 16-18 October before heading to Bangkok from 23-25 October.