>> 10 reasons to check out this year’s World A’Fair
With 26 of 34 different countries bringing their best edibles to the table, here are our picks of the things you will want to save room for all weekend long. Now, eat your way around the world.
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1.) BEER
There is no better place to school yourself on international brewings than at World A’Fair. Nearly every single booth offers the best alcohol their home country has to offer. Plus, the event offers quite the deal to help you try them all out.
The Beer Passport is Friday night only and is limited to 750 participants. For $10, you get a passport that entitles you to a 2-ounce sample at 13 different booths: Czechoslovakia (who won the best beer prize in 2016), Scotland (who has won it every other year), Netherlands, Ireland, South Slavs, Lebanon, Mexico, Germany, India, Japan, Philippines, Greece and new for 2019 – Italy!
At the end of the evening there’s a drawing for a prize basket, so be sure to vote for your favorite beer!
Passports and voting cards can be purchased at the wristband booths – cash only.
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2.) FOOD FROM AROUND THE WORLD
Credit: Tom Gilliam
Credit: Tom Gilliam
The great thing about this event is you can munch your way around the world in one room. Here are some of the things you can try and where:
China
Appetizers: Egg Roll. Cheese Wonton, Veggie Puff, Sweet Sesame Balls, Curry Dumpling
Entrees: Sweet & Sour Chicken, Vegetable Salad, Fried Rice
Czechoslovakia
Czech and Slovak pastries including Kolache and Nut Roll
Germany
Bratwurst, Metwurst, Hot German Potato Salad, Sauerkraut with Pork, Desserts and Soft Pretzels.
Greece
Gyro sandwich, Spinach pies, Greek salad, Cheese pies, Baklava, Koulouria, Kourabiethes
India
Samosa, Naan (Indian flat bread), Chicken curry, Channa masala
Irish
Wash that Irish beer down with Irish Pub Fries
Italy
Sandwich – Italian Sausage with onions & green peppers
Pastries – the Italian favorites cannoli, tiramisu, Italian wedding cake and many more delicious pastries
Japan
Sushi
Korea
Bulgogi, Kimchi, Mandu (no meat), Bokgumbap
Combination (Bulgogi+Kimchi+Bokgumbap)
Lebanon
Kafta w/ Tabouli wrapped in Pita Bread
Kibbee wrapped in Pita Bread
Falafel Sandwich (Vegetable Patty)
Tabouli Salad (small bowl)
Hummous b’Tahini w/ 1/2 Pita Bread
Pita Bread
Netherlands
The Netherlands serves the Original Appelflappen. Read more on this hugely popular dessert below.
Puerto Rico
Virgin and real Pina Colada
Scotland
Meat pies, Bridies, Shortbread
South Slavik
Cevapcici Sausage with or without Sauerkraut; a variety of pastries from Bosnia, Croatia, Serbia, Macedonia, Montenegro and Slovenia including festival favorites of Apple Strudel, Cream Puffs, Baklava, cakes and cookies.
There are SO MANY different kinds of food to try. With it all under one roof, this is the perfect opportunity to try some new flavors you've been curious about without having to commit to a full meal that may not quite tickle your fancy.
Our out-of-your-comfort-zone picks? Korea's Bokgumbap Combination (Bulgogi+Kimchi+Bokgumbap), Lebanon's Falafel Sandwich, and Greece's Spinach Pies.
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3.) APPLEFLAPPEN AND OTHER DELICIOUS DESSERTS
The most popular dessert of World A'Fair year after year — appleflappen — is prepared in the Netherlands booth. Note it is being done by hand, with fresh apples, freshly cooked, freshly sugared. Almost needless to say, the line is rather long at times.
If apples aren't your thing, there is no shortage of pastries (we hear the best ones are at the South Slavs booth) and baked goods — from homemade tiramisu in Italy to shortbread in Scotland, there's something to satisfy every sweet tooth.
PRO TIP: If you want to catch all of the amazing entertainment, Saturday is the day to wear your stretchy pants so you can sample a bit of everything while feasting your eyes and ears on stellar performances.
Credit: Tom Gilliam
Credit: Tom Gilliam
Want to go?
WHEN: May 17-19. Friday 5 p.m.-11 p.m.; Saturday 11 a.m. - 11 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.
WHERE: Dayton Convention Center, 22 E. Fifth St., Dayton
COST: Advance sale: $5 adults, $5 seniors, $3 youth (age 5 and under). Door sale: $8 adults, $5 seniors, $4 youth. Active-duty military members even get in for free, and on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., those with handicaps and their aides also get in for free. Advance tickets are available at all area Kroger stores, Miami Valley AAA offices, Siebenthaler's Garden Center locations and La Llama Place locations. Purchase tickets online here. Multi-day passes available this year, which must be purchased in advance through a DIFI Delegate, at La Llama Place or via President Wayne Gulden (wgulden@aworldafair.org or 937-767-1910).
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