History of DIFI

The International Festival, A World A'Fair, 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.

Then in 1978, under the supervision of Legal Counsel, Mr. Tom Folino, we incorporated as a non-profit organization, known as the Dayton International Festival, Inc. Since 1978 we have grown to include the cultures of 35 participating groups.

For information about becoming a member of DIFI see our Membership page.

For a list of DIFI delegates and committees see our Delegates page.