Serb Fest includes food, music and fun on July 23
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STEUBENVILLE -- Serb Fest, an annual tradition of Holy Resurrection Serbian Orthodox Church in Steubenville, was a huge success last year and is anticipated to attract an even larger turnout this year, according to committee members involved in the event set for July 23.
The festivities will be held from noon to 8 p.m. at the Serbian Picnic Grounds, located at 80 Serbian Drive, Weirton. Gates open at 11:30 a.m.
Everyone is welcome to attend. Admission is $2 for adults with children under age 12 admitted for free.
A more than 50-year tradition, the first Serbian picnic was held around 1950.
"It was a great way for families and friends to get together to celebrate their Serbian heritage, culture and traditions," a committee spokesperson noted.
"A few years ago, the name was changed to Serb Fest to let the Ohio Valley and surrounding areas know the festival is for everyone. We have had visitors not only from Ohio and West Virginia, but from Arizona, Illinois, Michigan, Pennsylvania, California, North Carolina, Florida and even Serbia," the spokesperson said.
"Serbs are a proud people. The most important things in their lives are their Orthodox faith, their family and their heritage. And we can't forget the food," the spokesperson continued.
Serb Fest highlights the original recipes passed down from one generation to the next. Specialties include cabbage rolls, cabbage and noodles, kielbasa and sauerkraut, sweet and hot sausage, pierogi and "our delicious pastries all prepared by our parishioners."
Crowd favorites include the wood-roasted lamb and chicken prepared by the Serbian Men's Club and cevapcici which are little sausages made from beef, pork and lamb and "secret spices made by Father Rajko and Wayne and Tammy Habovick. Grilled to perfection, cevapcici are served with chopped onions, pogacha (Serbian bread), and ajvar, a spread made from red peppers and eggplant," the spokesperson explained.
Serbian music will be played all day. There is a basketball court and a playground for the children at the picnic grounds.
There will be a 50/50 drawing with two winners. One will be announced at 3 p.m. and the other at 7 p.m. The winner must be present.
"This year we will be selling T-shirts and aprons for $20," the spokesperson noted, adding that "Serb Fest is held at King's Creek in Weirton, a beautiful, serene, country setting owned and operated by the Serbian Men's Club, a gem in the valley."