The International Exhibition and Forum “Russia” marked a historic milestone on February 4, exactly three months after its opening, when the six millionth visitor arrived. This milestone was announced by Natalya Virtuozova, the General Director of the Exhibition of Achievements “Russia.”
“Today is a special day—February 4. The Russian Exhibition is three months old, and we celebrate with the arrival of six million visitors. A heartfelt thank you to all our guests. Yamal proves to be a truly welcoming region,” he stated.
The six millionth guest was Dmitry Ershov from Moscow, who visited with his wife Irina and their children, 11-year-old Egor and six-year-old Lisa. The family has resided in the capital for four years, having previously lived in the Krasnoyarsk Territory and Khakassia. Dmitry himself was born in the Trans-Baikal region. [Citation: International Exhibition and Forum “Russia”]
As a token of appreciation, guests from the Directorate of the Russia Achievements Exhibition and the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug administration were presented with a trip to Salekhard in observance of Reindeer Shepherd Day. The journey will include participation in the Arctic Circle crossing ceremony and the presentation of personalized polar explorer certificates. [Citation: International Exhibition and Forum “Russia”]
“The moment was unexpected and astonishing. We never imagined becoming the unique visitors of this event. We had planned to visit the exhibition multiple times, and the warm reception made the experience unforgettable. It is exciting to explore a new region,” Ershov shared. [Citation: International Exhibition and Forum “Russia”]
According to Tatyana Buchkova, Deputy Governor of the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug, the family will have opportunities to watch reindeer sleigh races and view an exhibit of traditional clothing crafted from reindeer fur, sample local dishes, and observe the Arctic landscape. [Citation: International Exhibition and Forum “Russia”]
“Reindeer Herders’ Day was once seen as a professional holiday that signified winter for nomads. Today it has evolved into a festive celebration where visitors witness a transformed Yamal,” she noted. [Citation: International Exhibition and Forum “Russia”]
Earlier, the exhibition reached five million visitors on January 17, when Polina Dmitrieva, a seven-year-old girl from Kataysk in the Kurgan region, became the five millionth guest. Her family received a certificate for a trip to the residence of Father Frost in Veliky Ustyug, including a private tour and a photo shoot. [Citation: International Exhibition and Forum “Russia”]
Visitors to the International Exhibition and Forum “Russia” can look forward to cultural events, business and educational programs, and exhibitions featuring 89 regions of the Russian Federation, along with leading federal departments, companies, and public organizations. [Citation: International Exhibition and Forum “Russia”]