Czech and Slovak Newsletter - December 2011

VodaFest 2012 News

Date: Saturday 25. February from 11am
Location: Sumava Peksa Park, 46 Locks Way, Belgrave South VIC

Things are getting exciting with just two months to go. The line-up is shaping and we already have a program promising a great day of Czech and Slovak culture. Here is the list of the confirmed performers:

• IMT Smile with Ivan Tasler
• Liptar Dance Group
• Josef Kocurek of Prague Castle Orchestra
• Vintage Blue Music
• violinist Marcy Taylor

On program is also a folk costume parade and kids activities, beer garden with Czech beer on tap, sauerkraut soup cooked by Ivan Tasler himself, more traditional food, cakes and desserts. The festival entry is $20, free for children under 15.

Check out the rest of the newsletter for information about the VodaFest warm-up party with overnight camping we are throwing in January.

30 Years of Slovak House and Christmas Party

Date: Monday 26. December from 4pm
Location: Slovak House, 105 Triholm Avenue, Laverton VIC

The Slovak Social and Cultural Association Ludovit Stur Inc. are celebrating Christmas and the 30th anniversary of the Slovak House. Slovak Dance Group "Jednota" Hlozany will take part in the celebrations as well as the famous Slovak singer from Vojvodina, miss Katarina Mosnakova.

The Christmas Program at the entry of $10 and free for children starts at 4pm, followed by the dinner party at $35 an adult, $25 for association members and $5 for children. Dinner party bookings are essential, contact Eva Bilek at 0425739372 or evabilek@digisurf.com.au

Liptar Dance Group Gala Program

Date: Saturday 7. January from 7pm
Location: Slovak Social Club, 105 Triholm Avenue, Laverton VIC

The Slovak Folk Dance Group Liptar of the Slovak Social and Cultural Association "Ludovit Stur" invites you to attend its evening gala program "A Journey of Life". Entry is $15 a person, $10 for students and pensioners. $5 discount applies for the association members. For tickets call Pavel Sluka at 0411061874. More information at http://www.liptar.com.au

VodaFest Summer Party at Sumava

Date: Saturday 21. January from 2pm
Location: Sumava Peksa Park, 46 Locks Way, Belgrave South VIC

Last year, we had over 100 people join us at our summer grill party with beer on tap donated by Koliba Czech and Slovak Restaurant, traditional goulash, campfire grilled sausages and overnight camping. Little over a month before VodaFest 2012, we're throwing a summer party again and want to see you there!

All inclusive entry fee is $30 an adult, or $70 a family and this is what you're gonna get for it:

• a night of fun with your friends and families
• traditional goulash
• campfire grilled sausages
• onsite camping and overnight parking
• breakfast and coffee in the morning

On top of that, Koliba Restaurant will donate three kegs of Czech beer! That's right, over 500 pots of Czech beer! See you there!

Slovak Group at the 2012 Australia Day: Our Day, Our March

Date: Tuesday 26. January from 10am
Location: Melbourne CBD and Domain Gardens, VIC

For the second time in so many years, together with over fifty groups representing diverse communities that build up Australia, proud Slovaks will march the streets of Melbourne City at the 2012 Australia Day's Our Day Our March.

Wearing folk costumes from various regions of Slovakia, carrying a loaf of bread, salt and Slovak symbols, under Australian and Slovak flags we will march into Domain Gardens where Slovak activities stall will be set up for up to 10,000 visitors to learn about our nation and its presence in Australia.