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For nearly 30 years, Sugar Creek has celebrated its Slavic heritage through the Sugar Creek Slavic Festival. What began as a simple, one-day event has now morphed into a two-day celebration that attracts thousands of visitors every year.
“It’s a fun experience,” said event organizer Debbie Ray.
During the 20th Century, Slavic immigrants helped settle Sugar Creek, and Ray’s family shares part of that heritage.
“Tamburitza and polka music, kolo dancing and food were part of life in Sugar Creek for many families who settled here,” Ray said. “The traditions were carried on through wedding receptions, dances and through meals at home for special occasions.”
June 8-9, Slavic Festival attendees will be able to partake in some of those same traditions – from sampling dishes like sarma (cabbage rolls) and kielbasa (polish sausage) to participating in the Kolo dance lessons.
One of the staples of the festival is the annual sausage eating contest where contestants scarf down an 18-inch link of sausage as fast as they can.
“There’s a lot of pride at stake when that contest happens,” said Luke Davis, public relations for the Slavic Festival.
In addition to the ethnic cuisine, there will also be children’s and adult dance troupe performances, a children’s costume parade, a moonwalk, family-friendly games and live music.
Polka master Alex Meixner will headline this year, along with his mentor, Polka Hall of Fame member Don Lipovac. Other performances will include the Village Musicians, Ed Grisnik Group, Hrvatski Obicaj, the Sugar Creek Tamburitzans, the Kolo Kids and more.
The Slavic Festival will be held at the Mike Onka Memorial Building grounds, 11520 E. Putnam, Sugar Creek, Mo., on June 8 (5 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.) and June 9 (3 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.). Cost is $3 for adults. Children under 12 are free. For a complete list of events and times, visit http://www.slavicfest.com/festival/.
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