More than 40 different countries were on display at UW Eau Claire as part of the University's annual Folk Fair.

Thousands visited the family-friendly displays to take it all in, without ever having to leave the Chippewa Valley.

"We love the idea that people come here, they're entertained, they have fun and they eat great food from all over the world," event coordinator Phil Huelsbuck said.

The best part? They could do all that without stepping foot outside of Eau Claire. In just a few steps, visitors could travel from Algeria to Australia. In just a few more they could be in China.

"We really do want people to learn something about other countries and cultures," Huelsbuck said.

That's why volunteers gave every visitor a passport to collect stamps from the countries they visited. For every seven stamps they got a ticket for a prize drawing at the end of the day. But there was a catch.. They needed to earn that stamp.

"You do have to demonstrate that you've learned a little something about that country or culture," Huelsbuck said.

Organizers say whether that's by listing the colors of the Russian flag, or naming the language of Brazil.. the Folk Fair is an educational journey that will leave visitors with a global impression.