CHISHOLM—The Slovenian Union of America is bringing the culture and sounds of Slovenia to the campus of Minnesota Discovery Center in Chisholm.
ZarjaFest is taking place, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 1 at MDC. The event includes live music, and a Slovenian style picnic. Concessions are available on site.
The event is part of the Slovenian Union of America 100 Anniversary celebration and convention taking place on July 30 and 31 at Fortune Bay Resort Casino in Tower. Planning involved by all of the SUA branches, primarily Branch 23 in Ely and Branch 109 in the Twin Cities, Jim Lah, President of Branch 23 said.
Established in 1926, the mission of the SUA is “dedicated to honor and preserve our Slovenian legacy; to promote its ideals and to ensure its longevity for future generations,” according to its website.
Tours of the Slovenian National Home Association building on Lake Street are being offered in conjunction with ZarjaFest. Slovenian music is also being planned for there during the event.
Lah said the committee wanted to create the feel of Ethnic Days from the 1980s that were held at MDC, formerly Ironworld.
“We wanted to have Slovenian music that was more than button box,” Lah wrote in an email. “We included Carla the coral group from Slovenia and the singing Slovenes from Duluth to have the vocal side of Slovenia music. We wanted people just to experience strolling button box players Bill conquer and Rosanne Omersa. We wanted them to bring their own accordions and jam in a way that may not have happened in a while. And we wanted the evening to end with a full orchestra so we hired Rod Cerar out of the Twin Cities to play for us at the end of the event.”
Lah went on to tell how organizers tied the Slovenian National Home building into their planning.
“When we started planning this event three years ago, the Slovenian Home in Chisholm was trying to reinvent itself and they wanted their venue to be accessible to convention goers and those attending ZarjaFest, so we came up with the idea of a Slivo shuttle where you could run over to the Slovenian Home, listen to some more polka music and have a shot of slivo. It was our way to incorporate other Slovenian communion community—other Slovenian groups in our celebration,” told the Mesabi Tribune.
MDC Executive Director Char Conger commended the committee from SUA on all of the work they did on their planning, adding, “They have very dedicated volunteers.”
“Minnesota Discovery Center is honored to serve as a host venue for Zarjafest and to welcome the Slovenian Union back to our campus,” MDC Executive Director Char Conger wrote in an email this past week. :Bringing Slovenian polka and this vibrant cultural celebration to MDC is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the heritage that has shaped communities across the Iron Range and beyond. The Zarjafest planning committee has dedicated more than two years to organizing this exceptional festival and convention, and we are grateful for their commitment and partnership. We look forward to welcoming attendees from across the country for a weekend filled with music, dancing , and the celebration of Slovenian culture.”
As of last Wednesday about 400 people were anticipated at ZarjaFest, according to Katie Toumi, MDC Catering and Events Director.
Lah said the response has exceeded organizers’ expectation.
Advanced tickets for ZarjaFest are $40 for non-SUA members and $30 for SUA members, and are highly recommended. Tickets include access to MDC grounds and exhibits, live music, and the Slovenian picnic, and can be purchased online at:https://www.northernlakesarts.org/event-details/zarja-fest. A limited number of tickets will also be sold at the door for $5 more.
People movers will be available for people with limited mobility and can be found at the entrance.
MDC remains open for regular hours on August 1. Regular admission rates for visitors not attending ZarjaFest.