DULUTH, Minn. (Northern News Now) – Potica, A Slovenian treat, will be in abundance at the Slovenian History, Culture and Cuisine Festival this year at the depot.
Slovenians used to be called Austrians on the Iron Range back when their homeland was part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, as these articles from 1896 to 1902 in the Tower News and Ely Miner attest.
They never liked that much.
“Austria borders to the north and I’ve been fortunate to get to Austria when I’ve been over there to Slovenia but we would prefer to be called Slovenians,” said Mary Spehar White.
Mary Spehar White is part of the Singing Slovenes, and they’ll be performing at a Slovenian Heritage Festival at the Depot this Saturday.
“Everybody loves to polka, it’s got a wonderful beat, it’s happy music,” said Mary.
The event is hosted by the Saint Louis County Historical Society, and on display will be paintings by the late Slovenian-American artist Albin Zaverl of Ely.
“His paintings will be on display, some of which have never been displayed here before in Duluth, and that is a series of paintings depicting underground mines in Ely,” said Ron Hein of the St. Louis Historical Society.
A hundred years ago, Ely was 50% Slovenian.
The Slovenes are still an important part of the Northland tapestry, and Mary Spehar White says all people are welcome to come to the Depot on Saturday to celebrate.
Young Slovenian Americans are especially urged to come and learn.
“Be it music or food, however you can grab on to that, it’s important to be active and take part in your heritage,” said Mary.
Potica won’t be the only Slovenian treat you can get at the festival.
There will be sarma, and zelodec available as well.
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