Fraternity-Testvériség, 1996 (74. évfolyam, 1-4. szám)
1996-04-01 / 2. szám
Page 18 TESTVÉRISÉG HUNGARIAN FESTIVAL in NEW BRUNSWICK, NEW JERSEY The Directors and National Officers of the Federation carrying The Hungarian Reformed Federation of America was honored at the opening ceremonies of the 21st Annual Hungarian Festival in New Brunswick, New Jersey, on June 1, 1996, on the occasion of the Federation’s Centennial Year. The Hungarian Civic Association, which sponsors the festival annually, for the benefit of its participating member churches and organizations, also recognized Hungary on its millicentennial year. Among the dignitaries present at the opening event and bringing congratulations to the Federation was Dr. György Bánlaki, Ambassador of Hungary. Mrs. Blanquita Valenti, President of the New Brunswick City Council, brought the greetings of the City of New Brunswick. The opening ceremony was held in the courtyard of the American Hungarian Foundation’s Hungarian Heritage Center. A parade preceded the opening event from one end of the half-mile festival mall to the other, the area of the Hungarian churches and organizations participating in the festival. HRFA officers and board members led the procession with George Dózsa, President of the HRFA, as grand Marshall. In the early afternoon, George Dózsa as President of the HRFA, and László Papp, President of the American Council of the World Federation of Hungarians, shared in the presentation of a bronze relief by artist Sándor Bodo, “Arpad Conquers Hungary - 800 A.D.”, to the American Hungarian Foundation. The presentation by the two organizations was made to commemorate the millicentennial year of Hungary. Present at the dedication, which was held in the Hungarian Heritage Center courtyard, was Sándor Bodo and his wife, Ilona. At the twilight concert of the festival, a program of the “Ökrös Folk Ensemble” of Hungary featuring Sándor “Neti” Fodor was sponsored by the Federation. George Dózsa gave the welcoming remarks to the standing-room- only audience. The festival attracts 8-10 thousand visitors annually not only from the tri-state area but beyond to enjoy special Hungarian heritage events, including colorful exhibits, music and folk dancing as well as the popular Hungarian festival foods. Branch 302 of the Federation is a member of the Hungarian Civic Association. László Lipoczky and Albert St. Miklosy represented the Federation on the Festival Committee. Yolan Varga, Member of Branch 302, Chairperson of the Festival Coordinating Committee. From l. to r. Ernest and Suzanne Virgulák, George Dózsa, H.E. György Bánlaki, Ambassador of Hungary, Endre Csornán and Steve Vajda at the Heritage Center in New Brunswick, New Jersey. Members of the Regős Ensemble.
