St. Petersburg International Folk Fair Society, Inc. (SPIFFS), an organization with long-standing support from the city’s international community, has been selected to support and manage the Sister Cities and Student Ambassador programs.
SPIFFS is an umbrella organization for about 40 ethnic member groups. It was founded in 1975 to produce an international festival as part of the U.S. Bicentennial Celebration in 1976 and now, in addition to the annual festival, holds several other events throughout the year. The organization also sends speakers to schools and other venues to raise awareness of our region's diversity. SPIFFS members come from all over the Tampa Bay area. Please visit www.spiffs.org for more information.
THE ANNUAL FOLK FAIR
Folk Fair is a trip around the world without leaving town. Each member group sets up a village with cultural displays, food and gift items for sale. The event also features folk dances and music on two stages throughout the festival. Folk Fair is typically a 4 day festival with the first two days dedicated to area schools. About 10,000 students visit each year. The following two days are open to the public. Folk Fair takes place in the Fall (usually October) each year in downtown St. Petersburg. |