Bethlen Almanac 1999 (Ligonier)
The Hungarian Reformed Federation of America
Lorain International Festival 1999 The City of Lorain, Ohio, through its International Association annually holds an International Festival. The Festival and events are a week-long celebration of the ethnic diversity of the citizens of Lorain. This year, the Hungarians were the “spotlighted” or featured nationality. The Hungarians in Lorain County were united in presenting our history, art, food and culture to the city of Lorain. Area churches - The Hungarian Reformed Church of Lorain; St. Michael’s Byzantine Catholic; St. Ladislaus Roman Catholic; and the Elyria Magyar Church - along with the Lorain County Hungarian Council; American Hungarian Citizen’s Club; and Barati Kor formed committees and met numerous times to plan week-long events that promoted our Magyar culture, language, music, art and food. The following programs were presented: The International Parade, June 19: The Hungarians were represented with Honorary Grand Parade Marshal Professor Joseph Huszti, a float with a replica of St. Stephen’s crown and 5 Hungarian princesses. The float and 5-foot crown were designed by John Peters and built by the Lorain County Hungarian Council and took a first place award in the nationality division. The International Breakfast, June 20: Professor Joseph Huszti of the University of California, Irvine, was the guest speaker at the breakfast. He addressed a crowd of about 400 and gave a moving speech about the enormous impact of his Hungarian heritage on his personal and professional life. Joseph Huszti is a native of Lorain, Ohio. William F. Smith, a local artist who designed the official seal and flag of the city of Lorain, was also honored. Kalacs and zserbo were prepared and served to the guests in addition to the traditional breakfast. Felt breadcloths with Magyar motifs, wheat, grapes and geranium decorated the breakfast hall. The International Heritage of Sacred Music Concert, June 21: The Hungarians were represented by the singing of the Lorain Hungarian Folk Dancers, the Chancel Choir of the Hungarian Reformed Church of Lorain, and soloist Jill Pongracz Murrell. 21
