Sat 8/3 @ 10AM-5PM
In 2013, the Slovenian community based at the Slovenian National Home in the St. Clair-Superior area launched a new festival called Kurentovanje. Taking place in February, it celebrates the coming of spring with furry costumes kurents clanging big bells to chase winter away. Despite the chance-y weather, it’s evolved into an indoor/outdoor event with grilled fired up outside the Slovenian Home and a tent pitched in back to provide another stage. It’s become a huge success and a big draw, with thousands lining the street for the parade that ushers it into the party location.
So last year, the Slovenian National Home started a second community festival called Zabava! (a Slovenian term for a party with music and dancing), to take advantage of the reliably warm summer weather. So this one will be mostly outdoor. The grilled will again be fired up to serve smoked Slovenian sausage, grilled čevapi (a minced meat dish) and more, with treats such as potica (nut roll) and strudel available as well. Of COURSE there will be polka bands, including the Anthony Culkar Band and the Fešta band, so wear comfortable shoes and be ready to dance.
Other attractions include a marketplace where people can pick up food, crafts and souvenirs from Slovenian and local vendors, Kids zone and downstairs on the balinca (bocce) alleys, 16 teams competing in a tournament — head down the stairs to cheer them on. And new this year: a Slovenian sausage eating contest sponsored by Raddell’s Sausage.
There’s no admission fee. Get more information here.
Cleveland, OH 44103