Fraternity-Testvériség, 1999 (77. évfolyam, 1-4. szám)
1999-10-01 / 3. szám
Page 18 TESTVÉRISÉG CjömmcA €WÚ Branch 31 - Lorain, Ohio 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 Marshall 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 JosephHuszti 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 bread- cloths 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. Cultural Night, June 22: The Csardas Dance Company of Cleveland performed at the Lorain Palace Civic Center to a crowd of more than 700. This dance company is directed by Richard Gräber and is a non-profit cultural organization designed for the preservation of the dances, songs and music of the Hungarian people. Dances from Sárköz, Mezoseg, Zemplen, Tyukod and Bag were performed. Before the performance and during intermission, Hungarian pastries and beverages were served. 33rd Annual International Princess Pageant, June 24: Five young Hungarian women represented our culture in this annual event, several of which were HRFA members. The princesses were Beth Shivak, Natalie Burkewicz, Rebekka Murrell, Jessica Rico, and Cindy Demetzky. They were dressed in traditional Hungarian costumes and shared their Hungarian heritage with the other princesses. International Festival and Bazaar, June 25-27: Over 40 different nationalities participated in this event with booths of food, culture and entertainment. A cultural booth displayed Hungarian art, clothing and information. The Hungarian Reformed Church of Lorain sold Hungarian food and the Lorain Folk Dancers and the Arvalanyhaj Népi Csoport performed for the crowds. A beautiful blend of our Hungarian culture was “spotlighted” and enjoyed for a week by the citizens of the City of Lorain. Award winning float featuring St. Stephen’s Crown. Sara Fortner and Tana Koos, Branch 31 members, sell and serve Hungarian pastries during intermission.
