Naturalization Ceremony
The World Food & Music Festival kicks things off with an inspiring Naturalization Ceremony hosted by the U.S. District Court! On the Main Stage attendees are able 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 at the 2024 Naturalization 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
The Naturalization Ceremony at the World Food & Music Festival presented by Veridian Credit Union is sponsored by IHMVCU.
Resource Fair
The Partnership hosts a resource fair at the John and Mary Pappajohn Education Center, providing participants and their families with the chance to explore various community resources. The event also features children’s activities led by the Des Moines Children’s Museum.
The participating organizations from the 2024 Resource Fair:
- 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
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.