Czech and Slovak Newsletter - April 2013

Another month, another handful of Czech and Slovak events in Melbourne, Australia. Don't forget to take all mothers out for lunch or dinner this month, preferably to one organised by our compatriots. Also, you don't want to miss out on another major event organised by VodaFest this next Saturday:

• VodaFest Maypole Celebration
•  Mother's Day Lunch
•  Traditional Costume Function and Mother's Day Celebration
•  VodaFest 2013 Thank You

Dear friend,

Another month, another handful of Czech and Slovak events in Melbourne, Australia. Don't forget to take all mothers out for lunch or dinner this month, preferably to one organised by our compatriots. Also, you don't want to miss out on another major event organised by VodaFest this next Saturday:

VodaFest Maypole Celebration

Date: Saturday, 4. May 2013 from 10am
Location: Sumava Peksa Park, 46 Locks Way, Belgrave South VIC

VodaFest in association with Melbourne Czech and Slovak schools invites you to a full day event with free admission – traditional erecting the Maypole. The day starts with an educational morning for kids and adults, and continues with a yummy lunch at 1pm. Three course meal at $20 for adults, $10 for kids. Afterwards the traditional Maypole will be erected, followed by School of Dance and music from Vintage Blue Music live band.

To be able to erect the Maypole we'll need strong men to join us and help. Overnight stay is permitted, so don’t forget tents and warm sleeping bags.

For detailed program visit our website: http://vodafest.org/event/maypole-celebration

Mother's Day Lunch

Date: Sunday 12. May 2013 from 12:30pm
Location: The National House, 497 Queensberry St, North Melbourne VIC

Sokol Melbourne invites all mothers, parents, grandparents and friends of Sokol to celebrate Mother’s Day at the National House. You'll be able enjoy a three course non-traditional lunch for $20. Reservations by phone, Ms Vera Zlaty 0411 143 980.

Traditional Costume Function and Mother's Day Celebration

Date: Saturday 11. May 2013 from 7pm
Location: The Slovak House, 105 Triholm Ave, Laverton VIC

Entry: $10 for members and $15 for non-members. Dinner: $15 (dinner for children $7).

To make this function even more festive and enjoyable we will have a pleasure of greeting our guest performers from the Macedonian Cultural and Artistic Ensamble "Ilinden" from Footscray as well as some members of our Dance Group "Liptar".

Prizes will be given for folk costumes in two categories: Children up to 14 years of age, and adults. There will also be a prize for the oldest mother dressed in the traditional costume.

For your entertainment our Slovak Music Band "Zmena 5" will be performing and, as always, there will be a ruffle to check your luck or just support your club. Children from the Slovak Language School, "Liptaricek" and all other children will be able to take part in the creative workshop and make their mothers, grandmothers or somebody else's mothers a nice surprise.

Reservations: evabilek@digisurf.com.au or at Eva Bilek's mobile number 0425 739 372.

VodaFest 2013 Thank You

Just to recap this year's take, we saw twice as many visitors as last year, despite also having even more rain than two years ago. We believe you all had a great day and we look forward to seeing you all at VodaFest 2014!

First of all, VodaFest - Czech and Slovak Association would like to thank all volunteers who helped to make the fantastic atmosphere on the day. It was great to see you all smiling in the rain.

Another big Thank You goes to those who through their support made the festival possible, our sponsors and partners: Heart of Europe, Hendry Pianos, The Embassy of the Slovak Republic in Canberra, The Embassy of the Czech Republic in Canberra, The Consulate of the Czech Republic in Sydney, Bata Australia, Pramskins, Mind Games, Bohemia Cakes, The Sweet Guys, Sindler Continental Cakes, Skoda Preston, Bohemia Crystal, Sweety Imports and Officeworks Epping. A special thank you goes out to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic and the Office for the Slovaks Living Abroad for their financial donations.

Just in case you were wondering who the organisational team of this year's VodaFest was, the people who spent several months planning, organising and executing this amazing event, a huge thanks goes out to Anne Fieldhouse, Lucie Skaife, Sandra Klepetko, Katarina Tomka, Lucia Mikulova and Miroslav Dinka.