Frequently Asked Questions

Q - What are the next steps if I want to participate?

A:

• Go to this link to sign up: https://www.willowcreek.org/foodfair/ This will keep you in the loop as we approach September 10.
• Ask any questions and if we don't know the answers, we'll chase them down for all of us.
• Think about others to invite to this group - those who will bring a tray or 2 of food on 09/10. There are 100 nationalities represented at Willow South Barrington. So far 32 are represented in the food fair. As of today, there are 45 total registrants.

Q – If there are multiple people participating in one table, do they all need to be signed up?

A – Everyone bringing a different dish, should sign up.

A – Everyone should be signed up either as the primary host or as a participant at a table.

Q - What if I want to volunteer with something other than food?

A - We're happy to engage everyone's gifts! Click here and we'll get you hooked up!

Q - What other kinds of volunteers do you need besides food?

A -

• Photographers Social Media (to invite others)
• Connectors (to have fun with those who visit our tables)
• Performers of traditional dance/music
• Setup/Teardown
• Administration (help with planning/follow-up)
• Event Planning (help with organizing/decorating)

Q - How do I connect with others who are participating (before the fair)?

A -

• You can find us at the top of the escalators every Sunday after the 11:00 service. Ask for Saray or Jose and we'll make sure you meet everyone!
• We have a WhatsApp chat you can join in order to collaborate with others from the Asia/Middle East Region

Q - How do I get to meet other people?

A - Go to the top of the escalators any Sunday after the 11:15 service (soon to be 11:00 - starting Aug 20). Ask for Jose or Saray and we'll make sure you meet everyone!

• This week: Food guidelines will be shared
• 08/31: Deadline to register
• 09/03: Food choice due
• 09/03: Summary email will be sent
• 09/05: Region locations/table numbers assigned
• 09/10: You can arrive as early as 7:00 am
• Table Decoration and Tray Collection Options:
• 09/07 Th 3:00 pm - 9:00 pm
• 09/08 Fri 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
• 09/09 Sat 9:00 am - 12:00 pm

Q - Will there be give-aways and drawings?

A - Yes! So far, we have tops coming from India as give-aways for kids. Be thinking of other fun, easy, and inexpensive items to make your table more fun.

Q - Will there be drawings?

A - Yes! So far, we have tops coming from India as give-aways for kids. Be thinking of other fun, easy, and inexpensive items to make your table more fun.

A – We also have small bags of uncooked Indian rice (since it is currently in high demand).

Q - Can we invite as many people as we want?

A - YES! Be thinking about neighbors, family, friends, and co-workers to invite - Anyone who loves FOOD!

Q - Someone was worried that there wouldn't be enough food to invite large numbers of friends. Is this a risk? Can we really invite everyone we know??

A - Yes!! There will be a LOT of food throughout the whole church. PLENTY for everyone! How many cups of rice can one person eat anyway, right?

Q - Is this a free event for guests?

A - Yes!!

Q - OMG - There's a run on Indian rice and I can't find any. What do I do??

A - Click here to contact us and Bravo will provide it! We have 80 pounds on standby... (We were hungry when we were at the store)

Q - Is there a limit on how many dishes per country?

A - NO! - The more the better!

Q - What if there are duplicates?

A - It's ok. The more the better! Once you sign up though, you'll know who else is representing that country and you can compare notes and decide what you want to feature.

Q - What if I can't make 600 4-ounce servings?

A - It's ok. We'll pair you with someone else from the same country to make up the 600

Q – What if I have more than 600 servings?

A – It’s totally ok! Just let us know so we can provide you the space needed.

Q – What does a 4-ounce serving look like?

A – Think Costco-sized servings

Q - Will food be served after both services?

A - YES! After the 9:00 and the 11:00

A – The WFF will be shut down between services

Q - What about CDC Safety Guidelines?

A - Click here to see what everyone is adhering to:)

Q - What will the church will provide?

A:

• Bottled water
• Hot boxes to keep food warm
• Coolers/Freezers to keep food cold
• Warming trays/Burners
• 4 oz serving containers
• Carts for transporting food 8 foot tables - no limit
• Limited electricity for appliances – let us know what you need.
• Trays
• Utensils – While we'll provide serving utensils, it will be great if you could bring your own.
• Invitations
• Plastic cups for serving
• Forks/Spoons
• Napkins
• Tablecloths
• 1 Flag
• Sternos
• Trays to serve food
• "Paper Boats" for serving hotdogs, tacos, etc

Q - Will the event be indoors or outside?

A - The event will take place indoors and will be spread out throughout the church by region of the world.

Q - How will tables be placed throughout the church?

A - Tables will be placed by regions of the world. For example, everyone signed up under Asia/Middle East will all be together.

Q - What if I want to decorate our table and make it look festive?

A – Go for it! Banners and decorations are encouraged for the food tables. This will make it more fun.

A – Willow will provide “pipe and drape” for your banners.

Q - What I we want to dress in our national clothing?

A - YES! We are all encouraged to dress in traditional clothing that day. In fact, there will be photographers ready to capture all the colorful traditions!

Q - Will there be traditional music/performances?

A – Yes! Performances will be in the Atrium.

A – Willow will provide a play list and sound equipment so each region/space will be festive.

Q - Where is Willow Creek South Barrington?

A - Address: 67 Algonquin Road, South Barrington, IL 60010