Slovak festival blends food and fun

Del Sinchak-The Polka Guy

Video

Well known Valley Polka musician Del Sinchak has been playing music for 65 years and has no plans to slow down. He shared his thoughts about life and Polka music during the St. Matthias Church Slovak Festival in Youngstown Aug. 13, 2017.

By Sarah Lehr

slehr@vindy.com

YOUNGSTOWN

For Mike Ekoniak of Beaver Township, the 12th annual Slovak Fest was an opportunity to enjoy the dishes he associates with his childhood.

He came to the festival Sunday festooned with buttons that celebrated his Slovak heritage.

VIDEO: Del Sinchak-The Polka Guy

Both sets of Ekoniak’s grandparents immigrated to the Mahoning Valley from Slovakia. Ekoniak grew up on the South Side just down the road from St. Matthias Church, 915 Cornell St., the location of Sunday’s Slovak Fest.

The family-friendly festival featured Slovak dishes, such as sauerkraut, dumplings and haluski, which is cabbage with noodles.

Colette Kraykovich Rupert of Columbiana enjoyed a specialty Slovak domestic beer as she caught up with classmates, such as Helen Aiello of Boardman.

Both Rupert and Aiello attended grade school at St. Matthias.

The Rev. John Jerek, pastor of the Our Lady of Sorrows Parish at St. Matthias Church, said the festival functions as an “annual reunion” for many community members.

“I think the cooperation of all the works who put it together is impressive,” Father Jerek said. “The young and old come together.”

Activities included a moon bounce for kids and a basket raffle and silent auction for the adults.

There also were card games and live music from the Del Sinchak Band, Jack Vasko and Alexander’s Harmonica Artistry.

Loretta Bleggi of Struthers, a parishioner at St. Matthias church, helps out at the festival every year. Even though Bleggi is of Italian descent, she appreciates the traditional Slovak fare.

Ekoniak said the Valley’s ethnic celebrations give the area its character.

“You want to be able continue the culture of the old country,” Ekoniak said. “The whole Valley has a rich cultural heritage.”