SPIFFS

The aims and purposes of SPIFFS are:

1. To preserve and encourage ethnic cultures, both popular and traditional, through educational and cultural activities;

2. To promote awareness and tolerance of diverse cultures;

3. To promote American citienship and its ideals among people of all nationalities.

SPIFFS is the only independent multiethnic organization of its kind in the United States. It was founded in 1975 as an umbrella organization of ethnic groups who joined together to present a festival during the US Bicentennial Celebration. In addition to Folk Fair, SPIFFS offers the following services to anyone in the area - and we invite you to use them!

The Speakers Bureau: Folk artists and ethnic resource volunteers visit area schools and other community venues to discuss the heritage of their ethnic group, share their music, dance, arts and crafts, and sometimes demonstrate ethnic food specialties.

The Language Bank: More than 100 individuals handling more than 30 different languages and dialects serve as translators and interpreters for the community in courts, hospitals and schools and assist local city and county officials with translations for visiting dignitaries.