Magyar News, 1993. szeptember-1994. augusztus (4. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)

1993-12-01 / 4. szám

OMEGA o ALPHA 1993 1994

Another year has come and gone, another Hungarian Festival is behind us, our 41 st to be exact. With all the other activities that centered around our October 11 Festival date, churches having their October Festivals, the Columbus Day parade in Bridgeport, and theTown of Trumbull having their ethnic day celebration, we never expected the wonderful turnout we had. It only proves one thing; people still love great Hungarian cooking, colorful booths, pastries, good Hungarian music and last but not least, the friendly atmosphere that brings out the best in all of us. What surprised us

was, during the entertainment program, we asked those in attendance if they spoke or understood Hungarian. Almost half couldn't speak or read Hungarian; but they had their song sheets and went along with the rest of us. We observed a gentleman seated in the audience dressed in his Italian, Columbus Day T-shirt humming our Hungarian songs. This is what it’s all about; brotherly love in the best sense of the word. Can you imagine, can you hear, the blending of voices from all our Hungarian churches. What a tribute this would be to our parents, grandparents and to our Heritage. Our only regret was we ran out of food and pastry and for that we apologize, but we never expected such a large turnout with all the activities around us.

Hungarian Festivals some how remind me of the wonderful picnics we used to have in Fairfield many, many years ago. It

is my dream that someday, somehow, Hungarian people from all neighboring churches will join together in such an effort, one great picnic. I can see the banners flying on Park Avenue, at 90-Acre Park announcing our Ecumenical Hungarian Picnic. I can see rides for the ch ildren, entertainment, games for adults and the best part of my dream, Hungarian cooking. Yes, I have a dream or is this a challenge. I wonder what the outcome would be if I woke up? I believe this dream can translate into reality if the majority of us pursue it.

As we close the books on the First United Church of Christ 1993 Hungarian Festival, may we say from the bottom of our congregation’s heart, thank you for coming and may God Bless You.

Lou Babycos - Chief Elder

MEMORIES OF A PAST CHURCH PICNIC

It was in the midst of summer, the first Sunday of August to be exact, that the giant pots were tugged from shelves, and heaps of cabbage were cored, the aroma of garlicky spiced kolbász freshly stuffed; the bustle of chatting women with their heads shod with a kendő; the smell of freshly sliced onions all blended together to create a sure sign that St. Emery’s Annual Church Picnic is celebrating its 61st year of bringing good people together.

Warsaw Park located in Ansonia—was for a day, dramatically transformed into “Budapest Park;” and the day sparkled with sunshine that seemed to illumine the brightly colored tents of yellow and green.

The glint of family pride was evident in the faces of the children who rode the ponies and took part in the games that were directed by the CYO of the parish.

As the day went on, there seemed to be a haze of fragrance that was a blend rising from the kitchens, that produced and fed the

hundreds with stuffed cabbage, gulyás, káposztás tészta, the liver and bacon; and the funnel cakes that always drew an endless line of customers.

Some nationalities don the “green” for their festive moment; others boast with pride their Christopher Columbus; yet August boasts for the Hungarians the Solmenity of St. Stephen, their first Christian King, and celebrated with pride at a picnic sponsored by a parish that bears S tephen ’ s son ’ s name St. Emery.

At 6:00 p.m. back in Fairfield, St. Emery’s bell rang to join the church bells throughout the world, to remind us of Hungary’s protective efforts to keep the Faith, through the heroic stance of Hunyadi Janos and St. Kapisztran Janos, OFM. This moment of the day also marked the time of a good day spent with some of the greatest of God’s good people. So with a handshake, a hug and a good-bye kiss, we had bid each other a visszontlátasra (till we meet again).

Page 7