a world a'fair

A Trip Around The World at A World A’Fair This Weekend!

May 3, 2024 By Lisa Grigsby

Dayton International Festival, Inc (DIFI) is the organizer behind A World A’Fair and its Board is made up of the now 36 countries/ethnicities that take part in it. All of their members are non-profit organizations and DIFI is a 501C3 tax-exempt charity. Almost everybody connected with running the festival, manning the booths and performing volunteer their time to share their culture.

A weekend of dancing, music and a chance to eat your way across the world. The interactive stage has moved outside this year. Make sure you bring your dancing shoes this weekend and learn some new moves! For the full entertainment schedule, click here.

Friday night only, for $15 you get 12 2-oz samples from our participating booths with a beer passport.. There’s also a drawing, along with voting for your favorite brew. It’s your chance to sample beer from around the world.

This Weekends Food Menu:

China – Chicken Dumplings, Sweet Nugget, Sachima, Puffed Cereal Bar. Drinks – Lemonade, Sweet / Unsweet Iced Tea, Water

Czech Republic & Slovakia – Czech and Slovak Pastries, and Desserts
Drinks – Beer

France – Macaroons
Drinks – Wine, Champaigne, Passion Fruit Slushy, Water

Germany – Brat, Mett, German Potato Salad, Seasoned Sauerkraut, Soft Pretzels
Drinks – Beer, Water

Guam – Red Rice, Barbeque Chicken, Barbeque Baby Back Ribs, Shrimp Patties, Lumpia,
Cabbage Salad with Finadeene Dipping Sauce. Drinks –Tea, Water & Soda

Hungary – Cabbage Rolls, Hungarian Sausage, Hungarian Paprika Potatoes, Hungarian Pastries
Drinks – Wine

India – Chicken Tikka, Saag Paneer, Samosa, Pakodas, Rice, Naan, Chale, Indian Sweet
Drinks – Tea, Coffee, Lemonade, Kaas Kaas, Rose Water, Beer

Ireland – Pub Fries. Drinks – Beer

Italy – Meatball Sandwich, Sausage Sandwich, Pastries – Tiramisu, Cannoli, Italian Wedding
Cake and Chocolate Mousse. Drinks – Water & Capri Sun

Japan – Beef Curry over Rice, Vegetarian Curry over Rice
Drinks – Mochi Ice Cream Drinks: Hot Green Tea, Sake, Kinsen Plum Wine & Asahi Beer

Korea – Bulgogi, Fried Rice, Mandu and Kimchi. Drinks – Lemonade

Lebanon – Sandwiches: Chicken Shawarma, Kafta & Falafel
Sides: Hummus & Pita Bread, Stuffed Grape Leaves, Fatoush Salad, Tabouleh Salad & Spinach
Pies. Lebanese Pastries: Baklava, Mamoul & various other pastries
Drinks – Strawberry Water, Rose Water, Wine & Beer

Mexico – Tacos, Burritos, Quesadillas, Fajitas & Taco Salad. Drinks – Mexican Soda (Jarritos), Margaritas & Beer

Netherlands – Apple Flappen. Drinks – Beer

Nigeria – Akara (fried Blackeye Beans), Dodo (fried plantain), Puff Puff
Drinks – Water & Lemonade

Norway – Pre-packaged Lefse
Panama – Rice, Beans, Arroz con pollo/ rice and chicken, Beef Empanadas
Drinks – Malta & Fruit Juices

Philippines – Pancit (Philippine Noodles), Pork Skewers, Adoba, Lumpia (Spring Rolls),
Steamed Rice, So Ya Bean Curd (Taho), Asado (Pork Dumplings ), Ice Candies, Halo-Halo, Ice
Cream Cube (Mango, Fruit Salad), Bawt (Duck Egg Embryo), Fried Plantain with Caramelized
Brown Sugar. Drinks – Beer

Poland – Pierogi & Polish Sausage Sandwich. Drinks – Water & Beer

Puerto Rico – Pina Coladas and Piraguas (Flavored Shaved Ice)

Scotland – Meat pies, Bridies, Sausage Rolls & Short Bread
Drinks – Soda Pop (Im Bru) & Beer

South Slav – Baklava, Pita, Potica & Pastries. Drinks: Water, Wine & Beer

Turkey – Charcoal Grilled Chicken Thighs, Meat and Potato Turkish Style Samosas, Bread &
Turkish Style Sweets/Pastries
Drinks: Gazoz (Turkish style sweet sparkling water), Water & Non-alcoholic Fruit Drinks

Ukraine – Prepackaged candy and cookies

Vietnam – Fried Spring Rolls, Vietnamese Grilled Pork Sticks & Fried Rice
Drinks: Vietnamese Coffee

A World A’Fair

Friday, May 3, 5 PM – 10 PM
Saturday, May 4, 11 AM – 10 PM
Sunday, May 5, 11 AM – 6 PM

Tickets $10 for adults,
$8 for seniors and children

Parking $5

Greene County Expo Center
120 Fairgrounds Road
Xenia, OH 45385

A World A’Fair 50/50 Raffle

February 18, 2024 By Dayton937

Dayton International Festival exists to plan and present an annual festival that is called A World A’Fair. The festival is a celebration of diversity that showcases the food, dancing, music, costumes, and cultural exhibits representing the ethnic backgrounds and cultures of Dayton and the greater Miami Valley. The festival is Ohio’s largest and oldest ethnic festival.

As a 501(C)(3) non profit organization, they rely on external funding to make our festival possible and keep the price of admission as low as possible. Typically, they ask for corporate sponsorships. To supplement that, they are hosting their first ever 50/50 raffle. This is your chance to contribute to a worthy cause, and win some money for yourself. Buy your tickets online.

Half of the net proceeds could be yours for the taking, if you win. The drawing will be held live on their Facebook page March 3, 2024 at 6PM.

Tour The World in a Weekend

May 19, 2016 By Dayton Most Metro

It’s time for the 43rd Annual International Festival, A World A’Fair this weekend at the Dayton Convention Center. Since the 1970’s, the festival has been celebrating diversity in food, music, dance, ethnic dress, exhibits and cultures from around the world. This year, two new member organizations appear at the festival, representing the Sudan and the Ukraine.This year’s theme is “The Market Place” and you’ll have a chance to tour the markets of the world, both present day and past. T

The Dayton International Festival is very proud to have State Representative Niraj Antani as the 2016 Honorary Chairperson. State Representative Antani has been a long time supporter of A World A’Fair, joining DIFI’s Youth Group his sophmore year in high school. He has continued to support the festival in many different capacities and is proud to be a part of an event such as this that highlights the diversity of Dayton

“A World A’Fair promotes the rich cultural diversity that exists in our community and embraces the aspects which make us unique”, said Raj Soin, Chairman of Soin, LLC and present sponsor. “This event provides an opportunity for everyone in the greater Dayton Region to appreciate the differences among people of various cultures and experience their own cultures, history and traditions.”

On Friday night pick up a Beer Passport, which will get you a 2 oz sample from 11 “countries.” At just $10, this may well be the cheapest trip around the world you can get. But be sure and get your passport early, as only 500 will be available. And while there’s no passport for food, you can eat your way across the world as many of the boots will be serving up traditional foods from the countries they represent.

The Health Fair, presented by the Asian American Council of Dayton and sponsored by Kettering Health Network, is back by popular demand with expanded days and hours. Available to all attendees on Saturday, May 21 from 12noon – 4:00pm and Sunday, May 22 from 12noon – 3:00pm, visitors will be offered free screenings for blood pressure, the Wheel of Health and giveaways, as well as educational materials on stress and sugar. There will also be educational information on sports medicine and sports related injuries. With an appreciation to the men and women who have served our country, the Dayton VA Medical Center and Wright Patterson Air Force Base will partner and offer literature for both active military personnel and Veterans to assist them in their health choices and care options.

The ever popular and expanded Children’s Area, which is sponsored by Dayton Children’s Hospital, will once again be available for families to participate in games and engage in crafts. Children can also allow their creativity to shine by building things in the LEGO^® exhibit area. Also, the ever popular Children’s Passport will be available and offers a fun way for children to learn about each culture, as they will be asked to answer a question at each culture’s booth before their passport is stamped.

New this year… Guest Band, “Authorized Personnel” will be playing on the informal stage Saturday evening, starting at 9:00pm. They will be playing many different styles of music, representing the United States, so we are sure you will recognize a tune or two, and you may even want to get up and dance.

Also new this year… The Humane Society of Greater Dayton will be holding a pet adoption event Friday evening from 5:00-7:00pm, Saturday from 2:00-5:00pm and if all animals have not been adopted, Sunday afternoon from 12:00-3:00pm. Stop by to find your new best friend, or just learn how you can help these animals in need of a good home.

Back by popular demand… The Kenyan Safari Acrobats on our formal stage is a must see. On Friday night only, the Beer Passports event for adults returns. For a small fee you can sample beers from 12 different cultures. Also returning this year will be a Naturalization Ceremony celebrating new U.S. citizens, which will take place on Saturday, May 21. The Dayton Chess Club was so popular last year that they will be back this year with exhibits, tournaments and open play time.

Countries represented at A World A’Fair include: Various African countries, Burundi, China, Colombia, Czech Republic, Egypt, Ethiopia, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, India, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Korea, Lebanon, Mexico, the Netherlands, Norway, Panama, Peru, the Philippines, Poland, U.S. Territory of Puerto Rico, Scotland, South Slavic Countries, Sudan, Turkey, Ukraine, the United States of America (represented by the DIFI Youth Group) and Vietnam.

A World A’Fair is open to the public on the following dates and times:

Friday, May 20 5:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.

Saturday, May 21 11:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.

Sunday, May 22 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

There is a fee for attendance with tickets available at the door for the following prices:

Adults $8.00 Senior Citizens $5.00 Youth (6-18) $4.00

Advance sale tickets are available at AAA, La Llama Place, Siebenthaler’s and Krogers with discounts available for both adult and youth tickets.

A World A’Fair was incorporated as a non-profit organization, known as the Dayton International Festival, Inc. It has grown to include the cultures of more than 30 participating groups. For more information including the schedule of all performances, visit www.aworldafair.org.

First Timer Declares A World A’Fair A Celebration Not to Miss!

May 21, 2014 By Nicole Bogard Leave a Comment

The Dayton International Festival, Inc. (DIFI) held their 41^st annual A World A’Fair this past weekend at the Dayton Convention Center with over 13,500 attendees. An entire weekend was dedicated to celebrating diverse cultures of more than 30 different countries; all of which have a presence within the Miami Valley. Experiencing traditional music and dance in combination with unique food and drinks from many cultures in one place makes this a special event. It is definitely one that should not be missed.

As a first time attendee I was overwhelmed with excitement when entering the convention center and hearing the music and laughter that filled the room. Ready to take on the world with my pamphlet in hand I ventured to country after country, one tapa and beer after the next. Discovering something new about each culture on my world tour sparked my curiosity and need to know more about the world around us. As each day passes we are more easily able to connect with those thousands of miles away. The World A’Fair is a fun and incredibly interactive way to learn about our neighbors.

To engage the children passports were handed out to encourage them to learn more about each culture. Each child would take their passport and visit each country for a stamp. However, before a stamp could be given out the children would have to first answer a question about that country. At the end of their adventure they could present their completed passport to be entered into a drawing to win international prizes.

Don’t worry adults, beer passports were available for you! One beer passport would provide the opportunity to sample 12 international beers. What a deal! After your beer passport was completed you had the opportunity to vote for your favorite beer and enter to win a prize. My favorite beer ended up being from Lebanon and I probably would have not tried it had it not been for this cultural event.

In addition to the passports that took you from one culture to the next, there were performances going on at all times on two different stages. This year A World A’Fair was able to bring back by popular demand the Kenya Safari Acrobats. This performance in particular was one of my favorites from the weekend and I could easily tell why they are a fan favorite. The Kenya Safari Acrobats know how to bring excitement and wonder to a room with their enthusiasm while performing breathtaking acrobatic numbers.

Overall, A World A’Fair was a great time to spend the weekend and share it with friends and family. I’m already looking forward to next year when I can get another glimpse into the cultures that help make up my home, the Miami Valley.

See The World In a Weekend Ticket Contest

May 14, 2014 By Dayton Most Metro 3 Comments

A Dayton tradition for over 40 years, Soin International and the Dayton International Festival, Inc (DIFI) present A World A’Fair May 16-18 at the Dayton Convention Center. It started in the 1970’s and has been celebrating diversity in food, music, dance, ethnic dress, exhibits and cultures from around the world. The International Festival, was the vision and dream of Father Gabriel J. Rus, SM (1910-1979) and Aldona Ryan of Lithuania. With the help of many others, including the then director of the Dayton Council on World Affairs, Mrs. Maxine Stucke, the idea of an ethnic celebration was formed. From 1973 through 1977, the World A’Fair was a committee of the Dayton Council on World Affairs. In 1978 under the supervision of Legal Counsel, Mr. Tom Folino, A World A’Fair was incorporated as a non-profit organization, known as the Dayton International Festival, Inc. It has grown to include the cultures of more than 30 participating groups. Cheryl Castro is the 2014 Honorary Chairperson. She was awarded this honor for over 30 years of support to DIFI, as well as her willingness to serve in a variety of chairperson and officer roles during this time. Beginning with her involvement with A World A’Fair at age five, dancing with the Philippine American Society Folk Arts, Cheryl was also crowned Miss A World A’Fair in 1997, and after graduating from the DIFI Youth Group, she became a delegate to the DIFI Board of Trustees. Cheryl currently serves as the Informal Entertainment Chairperson, a role she has maintained since 1999.

A Celebration of Festivals is this year’s cultural theme. All of the participating countries will feature popular festivals of their region at their cultural booths. Some of the festivals will no doubt be familiar to you, but many may not be. Take time to discover what other cultures think is important enough to celebrate with a festival.

Friday night even features a special festival within the festival for beer lovers. For just $10 you can get a 2 oz sample of beer from each of the 12 participating countries-Czechoslovakia, Germany, Ireland, India, Italy, Japan, Lebanon, Mexico, the Netherlands, the Philippines, Scotland and the South Slavs…PROST!. Once you’ve made it ’round the world vote on your favorite and receive a small souvenir token. Only 500 beer Passports will be sold.

“A World A’Fair promotes the rich cultural diversity that exists in our community and embraces the aspects which make us unique”, said Raj Soin, Chairman of Soin International and longtime festival sponsor. “This event provides an opportunity for everyone in the greater Dayton area to appreciate the differences among people of various cultures and experience their own cultures, history and traditions.”

New this year… Performers from Burundi. After nearly two years of interviews and filling out forms, DIFI is finally able to present 37 drummers and dancers from Burundi. This promises to be a special treat for both young and old. You can also see Zabava, a dance group with ethnic roots in the Russian ex-republics, a Flamenco dancing group, Kitka Ensemble, and a Bulgarian group, in addition to our own member organization performers. In addition, the Dayton Chess Club will have chess games, tournaments, demonstrations and information available throughout the three-day festival. These activities will be open to the public to watch and in many cases to play, and include some special activities for children.

Back by popular demand…The Kenyan Safari Acrobats on our formal stage. Also back are the well known passports, which are sponsored by Premier Health Services. Children can have their “passports” stamped as they travel from booth to booth with a chance to win prizes donated by the member organizations of DIFI. Also returning this year will be a Naturalization Ceremony celebrating new citizens, which will take place on Saturday, May 17.

The Health Fair, presented by the Asian American Council of Dayton and CareSource, is back by popular demand with expanded days and hours. Available to all attendees on Saturday, May 17 from 11am-7pm and Sunday, May 18 from 11am-6pm, visitors will be offered free screenings for blood pressure, cholesterol, blood glucose, ADHD, HIV, depression and anxiety. Educational information and workshops on dental care will also be provided. There will also be an opportunity to register as a bone marrow donor.

The ever popular and expanded Children’s Area, which is sponsored by Dayton Children’s, will once again be available for families to participate in games and engage in crafts.

A World A’Fair is open to the public on the following dates and times:

Friday, May 18 5:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.

Saturday, May 19 11:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.

Sunday, May 20 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

There is a fee for attendance with tickets available at the door for the following prices:

Adults $8.00 Senior Citizens $5.00 Youth (6-18) $4.00

Advance sale tickets are available at AAA, La Llama Place, Siebenthaler’s and Krogers and offer discounts for the adult and youth tickets. For more information including the schedule of all performances, visit www.aworldafair.org.

Ticket Contest

DMM will be giving away 2 family four packs of tickets for A World A’Fair. Just like this post and fill out the form below for your chance to win! If you’d like to influence the judges, leave a comment about why you should win![form 55 “DMM Contest Entry – Generic”]

The Big Ragu Gears up for the 2012 “A World A’Fair”

May 3, 2012 By Dayton937 Leave a Comment

Mark your calendars, local foodies !!! May 18th -20th, 2012 at the Dayton Convention Center is the “World A’Fair.” For those who don’t know, this International Festival has been a Dayton tradition for over 40 years. “A World A’Fair.” features food, dancing, music, costumes, and cultural exhibits that represent the ethnic backgrounds and cultures of the residents of the Dayton area. What better way to sample cuisine from around the world all by taking a few steps?

According to the World a’Fair Website,“Folklore Around the World” will be this year’s cultural theme. All of the participating countries will present folk traditions at their booths. Native American singing and dancing will be the Featured Entertainment. Spanish Flamenco dancers will be new entertainment for this year.

But you know your Food Adventurers visit this International Festival for one thing… FOOD !! In between hugging accordion players, and dancing with exotic women in traditional garb, we like to hit the booths for some international tastes.

The Food Adventures Crew would like to share some of our annual food favorites found at the “World A’Fair.”

The Creme Puffs at the South Slavic Booth are Incredibly Good

South Slavic Booth: The Creme Puffs here are to die for. They have traditional choices as well as chocolate ones.

Germany Booth: Everyone enjoys the Bratwurst here. We prefer loading it up with sauerkraut and mustard for that perfect bite. The soft pretzels are not bad either !

Scotland Booth: Daring Food Adventurers should try the Haggis .. it is a traditional Scottish dish. This version is ground liver meat served with crackers. Can you handle the real deal? Not your style? Then try their “Bridie” meat pie for a more tame dish.

Ireland Booth: The Beer here is the main attraction, but kids love the Irish Pub Fries.

Dutch Booth: Try the Appelflappen (fritters), and enjoy the women cooking in traditional outfits.

Greek Booth: The Gyros are fantastic here. They are the same group that makes the gyros and chicken gyros for the Greek Festival. The onions on the gyros make it fun to breathe on your friends afterwards.

Mexican Booth: The tacos and empanadas are made to order at this booth. The prices are cheaper than most other booths.

The Italian Wedding Cake is a Must

Italy Booth: Sure you can grab a freshly grilled Italian sausage with peppers and onions, but may we suggest their fabulous desserts? The Italian Wedding Cake is phenomenal and filled with strawberries and whipped cream. The Tiramisu and Cannoli are also top notch.

Korea Booth: The Veggie Dumplings were incredible. The dumplings

are huge and have a great, fresh taste.

Lebanon Booth: The Falafel is our favorite offering! This veggie patty is served in a pita for a great tasting sandwich.

This festival is close to The Big Ragu’s heart. We have some great childhood memories of coming to the World a’Fair with our parents and grandparents. You may even see The Big Ragu volunteering at the Italy food booths! This event is a true Dayton tradition, and May 18-20th is your chance to leave your mark on the legacy.

Veggie Dumplings from the Korean Booth

The secret to this festival is to visit many booths and try different food offerings. You never know what you are going to discover. A World A’Fair is a perfect excuse to take an afternoon, or an evening and escape everyday life for a couple of hours. and immerse yourself into different cultures and different foods.

All of the information can be found on www.worldafair.org. Tickets are $5 in advance, or $3 for children at any Kroger location. Tickets are also sold at the door for a couple of dollars more. You can also check out the website and find opportunities to volunteer for a country’s booth. However you decide to participate, make sure you visit this festival, bring friends, or kids and create some memories.

Have some memories to share about A WORLD A’FAIR ??? Are you coming to the 2012 event?? Please comment below!

“Like” Food Adventures on Facebook by clicking HERE !!

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