PICTURES FROM THE NATIONAL PICNIC

For 100 consecutive years the Slovaks of Western Pennsylvania have come together to celebrate Slovak Tradition, Family, and Faith at Kennywood Park. It will be an exciting day for Americans of Slovak descent to celebrate with each other while enjoying colorful displays, authentic costumes, a Slovak liturgy, spectacular Slovak Folk Dance performances, a sing along, scrumptious Slovak food, special children’s activities as well as foot-tapping music for dancing. Special guests include the Slovak Ambassador to the United States, Ambassador Radovan Javorcik; His Excellency The Most Reverend Bishop David Zubik, Bishop of Pittsburgh, and His Excellency Bishop Larry Kulick, Bishop of the Diocese of Greensburg. These combine to build a treasure chest of memories—many to be remembered and still more waiting to be created.

A Centennial Party will be held at the Main Stage at 2:00pm until 3:00 pm. Music by the Rusynsky Bet’are ( Rusyn Rascals) will be there for dancing, a birthday cake and a Meet and Greet with Ambassador Javorcik will be a part of the party from 3-4pm.

The Main Stage program will begin at 3:00 pm with a parade of dignitaries from Slovakia, the Slovak Fraternals. Ambassador Javorcik will address the community.

A highlight of Slovak Day is the con-celebration of the Slovak Liturgy in the Main Pavilion directly behind “The Old Mill” at 4:00 pm. The Main Celebrant of the Liturgy will be Bishop David A. Zubik and Bishop Larry Kulick, along with FCSU National Chaplain Fr. Thomas Nasta and several Catholic priests from the Pittsburgh, Greensburg and Johnstown-Altoona Dioceses. Immediately following will be a sing along and the vibrant repertoire of Slovak music, songs and dances presented by the “Pittsburgh Area Slovak Folk Ensemble (PAS)” and the “Pittsburgh Slovakians”.

Tantalize your taste buds at the Slovak Kitchen where you will be able to enjoy holubky (stuffed cabbage), haluski (sweet cabbage and noodles), pirohy and kolbasy. Your sweet tooth can be satisfied with the homemade favorite – ceregi and Paska.

Enjoy this delicious dinner or ala carte foods and relax amid the echoes of Slovakia, as the strolling musicians play all of the “Slovak favorites’’. Food will be served in Pavilion #4 behind the ride “Old Mill” from 12:30 p.m. until the food is sold out. In Pavilion #3 you will be able to see an exhibit on “Slovak Kroj” prepared by the Pittsburgh Area Slovak Folk Ensemble. The exhibit will include Slovak heirlooms of folk treasures that show the incredible skill and artistry found in the Slovak villages.

In the Main Pavilion #5 there will be Slovak Cultural Displays provided by the Slovak Fraternals. Also in Pavilion #5 there will be Slovak vendors selling goods from Slovakia.

A special youth area will feature activities just for children. The children’s program will include games and treats beginning at 12:30 pm by the Main Pavilion. Every child participating in these activities will receive a free treat.

                 PROGRAM

Slovak Fraternal Societies—Displays (Pavilion 5)
12:30pm                Slovak Kitchen Opens (P4)
12:30pm                Children’s Activities  (P5)
1:00pm-3:00pm  Music by George Batyi & Friends Gypsy Stringz  (P4)
2:00pm-3:00pm  100th Anniversary Party with Rusynsky Bet’are (Rusyn Rascals)  (P5)
3:00pm                   Greetings and Introductions (P5)
4:00pm Con-Celebrated Slovak Mass (P5 Stage)
Celebrant—Bishop David Zubik from the Diocese of Pittsburgh
Celebrant Bishop Larry Kulick from the Diocese of Greensburg,
FCSU National Chaplain Fr. Thomas Nasta
Priests and Deacons of Pittsburgh and Greensburg Dioceses

After Mass Slovak Sing-along, Slovak Folk Entertainment, PAS, Pittsburgh Slovakians