Redhawk, representing Native America Indian Heritage Month. Courtesy Pinellas Millennium Celebration Ethnic Diversity Committee

St. Petersburg International Folk Fair Society

Formed in 1976, the St. Petersburg International Folk Fair Society (SPIFFS) is a nonprofit umbrella organization, comprising more than forty ethnic groups, with ties in Pinellas County and St. Petersburg. The society's purpose is to preserve and encourage ethnic cultures and to promote American citizenship and its ideals among all nationalities. Each year, the society presents a three-day Folk Fair, which showcases the customs and cultures of ethnic people, including their traditional foods and crafts, folk dances, and songs. The Folk Fair is sponsored by the society and the St. Petersburg Times and Evening Independent.

The society also presents an annual Miss SPIFFS Pageant, encouraging young women to identify with their ethnic heritage; an International Clogging Championship; and an International Children's Ensemble, in which youngsters learn and perform folk songs and dances. SPIFFS has also created an International Adult Chorus, which sings in native languages of many lands, and a Marching Drum Corps, which leads SPIFFS international member groups in local parades.

SPIFFS is a year-round volunteer organization, governed by a General Assembly of Delegates, representing each ethnic group.

Documentation includes a text report, newsletters, brochures, programs, newspaper articles, SPIFFS minutes, a calendar, and photographs.

Originally submitted by: C.W. Bill Young, Representative (10th District).

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