Phoenixes Around the World: Field Culture Fair 2026
Wednesday, January 28, 2026 6:00-7:30 pm
Country Table Hosts - Frequently Asked Questions
Note: This is a living document. It will be updated as new questions come in. Last updated: 11/19/25.
Interested in hosting a country table but not quite sure what that means? Click through these links, and associated photo galleries, to see examples of country tables from Field and other D64 schools:
Registration
- Do I have to be a PTO member to register/participate?
- No! You don’t need to be a PTO member, but you do need to have a (free!) account through the PTO’s website at fieldpto.org. Once you’re logged in, go to “My Forms” and fill out the Culture Fair registration form.
- Of course, you can join the PTO at any point in the school year. If you choose to be a member, you can opt-in to share your information in the directory if you are interested.
- What if multiple people want to host the same country?
- We will connect families requesting the same country via email and ask that you work together on your table.
- Can my family sign up to represent more than one country?
- Absolutely! Keep in mind that we anticipate organizing country tables alphabetically, so if you plan more than one country, you will need enough people to host each table the night of the event.
Country Tables
- Are there any minimum expectations for hosting a country table?
- No. Families who choose to host a country table can plan a table that works best for your family.
- What should I have at my country table?
- This is really up to you as a country host! Some ideas include: posterboard sharing key information (map, population, weather, history, etc.), traditional dress, famous people (authors, sports, artists, etc.), food or recipes, art (e.g., either a display or something like a small henna tattoo), books, popular music, or toys.
- Consider contacting the Chicagoland or locally-based tourist office of your country for posters or other information.
Food
- Can I bring food?
- Yes. You can bring store-bought or homemade food.
- I’m planning to bring a food sample. How many people will attend the Culture Fair?
- This is hard to estimate because Field hasn’t hosted one in several years! A safe estimate is that approximately 200 people will attend. If you plan to bring a food sample, do not feel like you need to provide 1 sample/person.
Reimbursement
- Does the PTO reimburse for country tables?
- Yes. The PTO will reimburse up to $100 for supplies. Please use the PTO’s tax exempt certificate when making purchases, provide clear receipts, and submit your reimbursement request via the disbursement request form on fieldpto.org.
Supplies
- Will the PTO provide any supplies?
- Yes. The PTO will provide a handmade flag that will be posted by your country’s table and we will provide a larger country flag for students to carry during the parade of nations. We will also provide a vinyl tablecloth for each table.
- Sample size cups, gloves, and spoons, as well as allergy signage will be available at check in. Stop by the PTO check-in table for these supplies.
Set-Up
- What time should I arrive?
- The event is from 6:00-7:30 pm on Wednesday, January 28. Check in/set up time beginning at 5:30 pm in the North Gym.
- Parking will be available in the staff parking lot on Elmore and street parking surrounding the school.
Performances
- How long can my student/family/group perform?
- 5 minutes or less
- How do I share audio?
- Leave your email in the registration form for student(s) performance and you will receive an email from a Culture Fair committee member with more details on how to submit or share your song/audio file.
Have a question that is not answered here?
Email: fieldptopresident@gmail.com
Subject line: Culture Fair Question
