Sun 9/20 @ 2PM
Once again, the Slovenian SNPJ Farm in Kirtland will echo with the sounds of polka music, as it does most weekends during the warm weather. This weekend it’s celebrating its annual Slovenian Grape Festival to honor the fall grape harvest.
Gates open at 1pm. The fun starts with the polka parade at 2:45, with revelers wearing traditional Slovenian costumes, playing accordions and singing. You can take part; just wear your Slovenian outfit and/or bring your accordion, and you’re in! Joe Valencic from the Cleveland-Style Polka Hall of Fame will bring song sheets and the stories behind the tradition. Participants should arrive by 2:15 to get their instructions.
The parade will be led by Tony Fortuna, whose orchestra will take the stage following the parade to provide four hours of polka and waltz tunes to fill the dance floor form 3-7pm. Hearty ethnic foods including Slovenian sausage, roast beef and krof donuts will be available starting at 2pm. And the pavilion will be decorated with grapevines and hanging treats. Grape one if you dare! There’ll also be unlimited balina (bocce) to play.
Admission is just $8; 18 and under are free.