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.
