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Finally, the "Regional America" area brings all the perspectives together. Each week a different sector of the United States will be presented in all its complexities and its traditions. Symbolized by a huge multi-colored map of the United States painted on the side of the big barn, Regional America demonstrates occupational lore, ethnic and black performances, Native American artists, all according to the place where they live and interact upon the American land. Research here focuses upon the subtle distinctions which mark the multiple dividing lines between one's home place and the rest of the nation.

Following their involvement in the Festival itself, many foreign participants are expected to go on tour and engage in local celebrations with their ethnic counterparts in communities across the country. Thus, the Festival will be shared in part with Americans unable to visit Washington, D.C.

Total costs of the Festival and Ethnic Tours programs are estimated at approximately $7,000,000 of which the Smithsonian will provide about $3,600,000 from federal appropriations and private sources (American Airlines, General Goods, concessions, etc.). The National Park Service which is co-sponsoring the Festival is providing about $325,000 plus some $250,000 in services. The balance of funding is in-hand or anticipated from the American Revolution Bicentennial Administration, Department of Labor, Department of Transportation, Department of Health, Education and Welfare, National Endowment for the Arts, and perhaps other agencies and from communities participating in the tours program. As a late development as of May 3, 1976, the Senate Appropriations Committee initiated a recommendation for a supplemental appropriation of about $800,000 as a safeguard against agency support not materializing.