YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – From sizzling kielbasa and sweet chimney cakes to intricate folk art and family history, Simply Slavic, Youngstown’s premier celebration of Slavic culture and heritage, promises an immersive cultural experience packed with authentic food, shopping and heritage exploration.

The event will take place from 5 to 11 p.m. Friday and noon to midnight Saturday at the Youngstown Foundation Amphitheatre.

The festival moved to The Amp last year from its previous location on East Federal Street and has decided to make it its permanent home.

Admission is $5 (free for children 12 and under).

“We want people to taste the flavors and hear the stories that bring our Slavic roots to life,” said Dave Slanina, vendor chair for the festival. “Our food and marketplace vendors are bringing the very best from Poland, Slovakia, Serbia and more. Whether you come hungry, curious, or both – you’re going to leave full of exposure to Slavic culture.”

The Heritage Tent offers a more in-depth exploration of Slavic traditions, featuring vibrant displays that represent eight Slavic countries and regions. Each booth features maps, flags, language guides, notable figures and facts that showcase the diversity of Slavic life. “Our goal is to educate as much as we entertain,” said Loretta Ekoniak, Heritage Tent coordinator. “We want visitors to connect with their ancestry – or learn about one they never knew. These tents are built by local volunteers who take pride in sharing their culture with the world.”

The Heritage Tent displays include Carpatho-Rusyn territory, Croatia, Czechia, Poland, Serbia, Slovakia and Slovenia.

In addition to food and heritage, the Marketplace Tent will feature a wide array of handcrafted goods, folk art, jewelry and cultural keepsakes. Attendees can support small businesses while discovering treasures that reflect centuries of tradition.

The modern-day European nations representing the origins of Slavic ancestry are Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Macedonia, Montenegro, Poland, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia and Ukraine.

Simply Slavic Festival highlights include:

  • An Ecumenical Blessing and Parade of Flags with representatives from a variety of faiths and parishes featuring one of the region’s ethnic choirs.
  • A Slavic Kitchen featuring booths of homemade foods from more than a dozen businesses and ethnic groups from Youngstown, Pittsburgh and northeastern Ohio.
  • A Marketplace of vendors selling imported dolls, eggs, linens and apparel reflecting the varied nations of the festival.
  • A Baking Contest where amateurs can submit their favorite traditional items to be judged by area Slavic celebrities.
  • The Lariccia Family Stage, featuring music and entertainment throughout the day to include the region’s most colorful folk dance troupes.
  • Folk bands showcasing the concert and dance music of Eastern Europe for the young and the “young-at-heart” into the night.

This year’s food vendors are Babcia’s Lunchbox, Balkan Bakery & Cafe, Chuck’s Roasted Meats, Crago’s Concessions, Doughlicious Bakery, Fredo’s Deli, Hornyak’s Milkshakes, J&J Concession, Krakus Polish Deli & Bakery, OH Donut Co., The Pierogi Lady, Rimedio’s Bakery, Sabi’s, Steel City Chimneys (Friday only) and Sweet Sips.

The marketplace vendors include:

  • Amber Treasures: Amber jewelry from Poland.
  • BROM (Alexander Brokhman): Russian and Eastern European folk art.
  • Carol Novosel: Slavic Easter eggs, pysanky kits, scarves.
  • Cataract Press: Slavic mugs, T-shirts, magnets, embroidery and jewelry.
  • Cute as a Dumpling: Handfelted pierogi ornaments.
  • Euro Haus/Little Europe: Jewelry, religious items, kitchen towels and Slovak/Czech ornaments.
  • FCSU (First Catholic Slovak Union) Financial: Fraternal insurance and community support.
  • Kasia’s Polish Pottery: Authentic Bolesławiec Polish pottery.
  • Peppermint Recordings: Polka CDs and vintage recordings.
  • Slovene National Benefit Society: Fraternal insurance with cultural outreach.
  • SNPJ Heritage Center: Flags, T-shirts, noodles, cookies, candy.
  • The Polish Arts Club of Youngstown: Polish apparel, aprons, bibs and spiritwear.

Masters of ceremonies are Larry Walk and Laurel Tombazzi. Go to SimplySlavic.org for the most up-to-date information.

Here is the schedule:

Friday 

  • 4:45 p.m.: Gates open.
  • 5-6 p.m.: Od Srca Tamburitzans.
  • 6-6:30 p.m.: Opening ceremonies  and tapping of the Modern Methods Rodina Beer Firkin. 
  • 6:30-8:30 p.m.: Bob Kravos and the Boys in the Band.
  • 9-11 p.m.:: Youngstown’s Houseband.

Saturday

  • 12:15 p.m.: Opening ceremony.
  • 1-2 p.m.: The Zaps.
  • 2-3 p.m.: Rex Taneri Orchestra.
  • 3:15-4 p.m.: Living Traditions Folk Ensemble.
  • 4:05-4:50 p.m.: St. Nicholas Russian Dancers.
  • 5-5:30 p.m.: Selo Croatian Ensemble.
  • 6-8 p.m.: Harmonia.
  • 8:30-10:30 p.m.: Chardon Polka Band.
  • 10:30 p.m.-midnight: Vatra (bonfire) lighting and music.

Pictured at top: A folk group performs before the Vatra, or bonfire, at a past Simply Slavic festival.