Folklorama 2006

Sunday, August 6 - Saturday, August 12

Folklorama 2006 was an astounding success for the Slovenija Pavilion, as we celebrated our 36th year as part of Folklorama. 

We were featured in the first week of the festival in 2006, and when the doors opened on Sunday August 6th, we were ready. As in years past, our visitors were not disappointed in our pavilion, as we offered a host of new material: 

• New dances and songs from all three of our dance groups.
• Additional items were added to our cultural display, with more authentic articles brought to us from Slovenia, which included works of wood, beautiful posters, and works of lace.
• A wide variety of Slovenian wines from the Goriska Brda winery and beer from the Union Pivo company in Slovenia.
• New menu items, such as Filena Paprika (stuffed peppers).

The planning for Folklorama this year was a lot of fun. A truly top quality team was formed, and honestly since we’ve been doing this for over 35 years, we let the people do their work. Our coordinators, Ron Thiffeault and Stan Majowski put together their team, and the results were outstanding. 

Helping Ron and Stan were some great volunteers who stepped up and took on a committee head.  Our thanks to Kristina Van Buren (Kitchen), Albert Casar (Bar), Irena Hibbert (Entertainment), Stefan Gerich and Ron Thiffeault (Barbecue), Darren and Teresa Kozicki (Security), Boris Poredos (Admissions), Kathy Casar and Kristina Majowski (Cultural Display), Liz Blazanovic (Pastry), Mary Sobocan (VIP/Media) and Matthew Sobocan (Finance).  An incredible job was done by our Ambassadors as well, Meaghen Foden, Vanessa Simonic, Luke Majowski and Stephanie Zmavc.

We were also pleased to be featured on three television stations during the week of Folklorama, and these three stations included CBC, Shaw Cable and Global. The exposure from these spots, especially from the CBC was incredible. After the CBC spot was aired, we noticed a definite upswing in our attendance numbers! Our thanks go out to Ted Preston for helping showcase our pavilion and our beautiful Slovenian culture, especially highlighting our barbecue.

When people come to our pavilion, it is first and foremost for our great food. This year our barbecued pork and chicken were fantastic, and the remainder of our menu, including filena paprika’s had people watering at their mouths. The food was hot and ready for our guests, and we never had crowds like this before. Usually at our venue, the food line stretches from one end of the gym to the centre line. This year, the line extended across the entire gym, and curving out into the hall…perhaps the word about our pavilions food is getting around, and many many people are enjoying the great food that Slovenian are known for.

From a bar perspective, as mentioned above, we definitely had a Slovenian influence. Wines from Goriska Brda and Union Pivo were extremely popular choices of our guests. 

While people were enjoying their food and beverages, our entertainment was second to none. All three dance groups had new dances and songs to showcase. Unfortunately because of health reasons, our Zvon singers could not partake in our pavilion this year. We all hope that they feel better for next year, and come back even stronger than before.  As our dancers entertained, the new entertainment addition this year was the darling duet of Hilda Terry and her 8 year old daughter, Rybecca, singing the hottest Slovenian musical hit this summer, Mandolina. What a great job performed by these two. As well, Vladka Pikel added her beautiful voice to the entertainment schedule, and she was fabulous.  Finally, who can forget Rozmarin performing Metlar to another hot hit in Slovenia this year, ‘Halo Evropa’ by Igor in Zlati Zvoki…the fun on the stage exhibited by the dancers, and the very catchy tune, had all people smiling and clapping their hands. 

After dinner and the show, many people stepped up to our famous pastry bar.  Everything to satisfy that sweet tooth, including zavitek (Strudel), potica, various cookies and tortes could have been had, and to wash it down, an authentic Slovenian Bela Kava (cappuccino).

The cultural display had many additions as well, including many articles from Slovenia.  We added a ‘Slovenian Cuisine’ section, to bring to the forefront the foods that made Slovenia famous. Once again, our cultural display was vibrant and busy.  One could have certainly learned much about Slovenian culture, and from reading the comments in our guest book, many people did.

Upon departure from the pavilion, the beautiful voices of Triglav and Rozmarin were heard, serenading our guests as they left our pavilion, to traditional Slovenian folk songs…the number of comments on this feature from our guests are countless!

Over all, Folklorama 2006 was a huge success, and our thanks go to all our volunteers and to all our guests. Without either one of you, it would be impossible to have a Slovenija pavilion.  We are already looking forward to a great festival next year, at Folklorama 2007.

Written by,

Stan Majowski

Co-coordinator – Slovenija Pavlion 2006

Winnipeg, Canada

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