Sat 9/14 @ noon-8PM
Once again, the excitement will be off the charts at Kirtland’s Slovenian SNPJ Farm when the National Cleveland-Style Polka Hall of Fame hosts its 20th Annual Slovenian Sausage Festival.
There’s a lot at stake here because this isn’t just about coming out to eat Slovenian goodies and dance to polka music, although it’s certainly about that too. Local purveyors of this specific type of sausage (kranjska klobasa), made with cured and smoked pork with garlic and other seasonings will be competing for the title of best sausage-maker. You can sample them and vote too! At 6pm the judges’ and people’s choices will be announced.
While you’re waiting though, there’s a lot of food and drink to be enjoyed including pierogis and strudel, and the dance floor awaits your nimble feet as ten Cleveland-style polka bands will perform their signature polkas and waltzes, among them Eddie Rodick, Don Wojtila, the Zolka Family, the Fairport Jammers, Anthony Culkar and Al Battistelli. If you’ve got an accordion or banjo and some baseline proficiency, bring it along and jam.
Tickets are $12 from the Polka Hall of Fame (216-261-GAME) or $15 at the gate. Those 18 and under are free so bring the family — the kids will love the food and fresh air and maybe even beg for an accordion for Christmas.