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International foods, exotic villages and 39 ethnic groups will greet thousands at Bayfront Center this weekend. Ride a camel. See a pyramid. Eat and enjoy folk music and dancing.
By JULIANNE WU, Times Staff Writer
© St. Petersburg Times, published March 6, 2002
ST. PETERSBURG -- An exotic Fijian village, a Scottish castle -- complete with a bagpiper and drummer from St. Andrews, Scotland -- an American Indian village and an African village will be highlights at this year's Folk Fair.
Sponsored by the St. Petersburg International Folk Fair Society (SPIFFS), the 27th annual event will be Friday through Sunday at the Bayfront Center, 400 First St. S.
Schoolchildren from Tampa Bay area schools are scheduled to attend the Folk Fair during the day on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.
The hours for the public will be: 3 to 9 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday and from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday.
"The Folk Fair is like a family reunion," said Gail Wallace, SPIFFS managing director. "We have people of all faiths and all ethnic backgrounds in our organization and we try to teach tolerance. That's why people should come."
Thirty-nine ethnic groups will be featured at the event, which has the theme: "America Is a Great Country."
Inside the center, such countries as Bosnia, China, Croatia, Finland, Russia and others will be featured. Outside, fairgoers can ride a camel, see a wolf up close, view an Egyptian pyramid, visit the food court and more.
Authentic stage villages will capture the flavor of each country. Costumed villagers will demonstrate hand craftsmanship and prepare and sell ethnic food specialties. There will also be folk music and dancing.
The SPIFFS grand opening ceremonies will take place at 1 p.m. Saturday, when the Parade of Nations will march throughout the fair, led by the colorful Liberty Fife & Drums Corps.
Portugal is a featured country this year. In fact, Joseph Theriaga, the Portuguese consul based in Miami, will be attending with his wife, Susan. And, there will be a Portuguese pavilion and special exhibit.
In conjunction with the Folk Fair, the Portuguese will host a wine tasting and five-course dinner at 8 p.m. Saturday at the Portuguese American Club, 7808 46th Ave. North. There will be traditional fado and guitar music. The price is $35. For reservations, call Rosie Rebelo at 545-1400. The deadline is Friday.
In all, organizers are hoping for about 30,000 people at the three-day Folk Fair. In the past, that has included 18,000 schoolchildren, Wallace said.
"This year, we have about 10,000 children signed up so far, but we get more every day. Some of the schools are still concerned about the FCAT tests and others aren't coming because of budget cuts. We hope to make up the difference by other paid admissions."
Youngsters in third through 10th grades will be taking their Florida Comprehensive Assessment Tests (FCATs) in reading and math March 11 through 13.
But, Dr. Ron Stone, spokesman for Pinellas County Schools, doesn't think that should be a reason to keep the children from attending. They will still have enough time to study for the tests, he said.
Although Wallace said some Pasco County Schools decided not to send kids because of budget constraints, Stone said: "We have curtailed some employee travel because of budget cuts, but we decided not to cut back on any educational programs, such as the Folk Fair."
Throughout the fair, various ethnic groups will have food for sale. Beer and wine may be purchased through Bayfront concessions.
Admission: Adults, $6; seniors, $5; children 4-14, $4.50 and children under 4, free. Also, on Friday only, you can buy one ticket and get one free (of equal or lesser value). For information, call the SPIFFS office, 551-3365.
-- Information from Times files was used in this report.