Slovak Cultural Fair with artist, discussion

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

A Slavic Cultural Fair will take place Sunday from 3 to 5 p.m. at Father Snock Center, at Summit Academy (formerly St. Matthias School of Our Lady of Sorrows Parish), 2800 Shady Run Road.

Admission is free.

The fair will include Pittsburgh-based artisan Lawrence Kozlowski, who will conduct a seasonal folk-art class and demonstrations. Kozlowski will also have some of his own items available for purchase.

The fair is being organized by Loretta Ekoniak, Slovak representative to the Eastern European Congress of Ohio and author of “Slovaks of the Mahoning Valley.”

The Congress was founded several years ago with a goal of culturally uniting state residents with this shared ancestry, by fostering discussions and special events.

Two years ago, the group successfully lobbied state officials to declare April as Eastern European Month in Ohio.

One of its initial statewide programs is the Passport Program, which is bringing volunteers into area schools this month to give classroom talks about their heritage.