Czech and Slovak Newsletter - Festival Special

VodaFest in 10 Days!

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

Even when nothing is happening there, Sumava Peksa Park with its pine tree forest, the "Devil's Lake", the grassed areas and the fruit tree orchard is a magical place, a piece of Central Europe just east of Melbourne. There is no better place we could be holding this event and there is no more family-friendly place you could be visiting on a Saturday afternoon.

With the event of the year just a few days away, here is all the information you are going to need when visiting VodaFest 2012.

Program

We are kicking off at 11am with the Sokol Melbourne's Czech School's children performance, followed by the six musicians called The Fiddlers, playing Slovak folk songs. We are then excited to present a performance by the Slovak Folk Dance Group "Liptar" of the Slovak Social & Cultural Association "Ludovit Stur", alternated with a Czech and Slovak folk costume parade.

Czech and Slovak songs of the 60's and 70's will be played by the band Vintage Blue Music, followed by a special VodaFest set of the violinist Marcy Taylor, who had a great response last time. Next, you do not want to miss the Prague Castle Orchestra's flutist Josef Kocurek, who has played with several symphonic orchestras in his time, as well as the famous tenor Placido Domingo.

All of that, and more, even before the headliners of VodaFest 2012 are on! One of the most popular music bands of the last two decades in both Slovakia and Czech Republic, IMT Smile is heading your way to crown the day of our culture! After just a few songs the singer Ivan Tasler played at the last VodaFest, this time be preparee for a real show, with a couple of yet to be released songs on set!

Apart from all the food and beverage stalls and the beer garden, the Australian Slovaks' Association in Victoria and the Czech Parents Association will have their stalls. Children activities will be conducted at the playground, games and competitions for everybody will be announced throughout the day at the stage.

Wow! What a program for just one day! And you haven't had anything to eat or drink yet!

Food and Beverages

Get ready not for one, but two brands of Czech beer on tap -- Budvar and Krusovice -- and another half a dozen brands in bottles. Of course, soft drinks and water will be available for drivers and children, too.

Goulash, meat loaf and cheese dumplings are just few examples of the Czech and Slovak cuisine you are to taste at this year's VodaFest. Apart from cakes and more cakes, that is, from the Czech and Slovak bakeries around Melbourne and the famous Hollow Cake made on site.

We are continuing the tradition of the Babovka Cake Competition -- which you are invited to join! -- and you should still leave some space for the traditional Sauerkraut Soup made by Ivan Tasler himself before he takes on the stage!

Parking

With the great help from the local scout group and the willing neighbours of Sumava Peksa Park, we are going to keep VodaFest vehicle-free and kids friendly as much as we can. Parking will be available on the block of land at the rear of Sumava Peksa Park and the southern entrance will be used for general public, as opposed to the usual main gate. For details, see the festival site map at http://vodafest.org/visitors/festival-site-map

When arriving, please, continue along Locks Way and follow the signs and instructions of the young scout volunteers. Please, at all times respect other drivers on the narrow road, watch out for pedestrians and be conservative with space in the car park.

Parking fee for the day is $5 a vehicle and goes in full to the Belgrave South scout group and the supportive family Goodwin, the owners of the land.

Bring Cash

As you can see, in addition to the great cultural program and a whole day of entertainment, VodaFest 2012 is going to have a lot to offer. Czech and Slovak cuisine, beer, soft drinks, merchandise and much more. Unfortunately, no ATM or EFTPOS facilities will be available on site, so if you would like to fully enjoy the festival, along with friends and good mood, please, bring cash.

Online Tickets

To spare yourself the trouble with the entry fee, this is the best time to purchase your VodaFest 2012 tickets online! Just print out the confirmation e-mail and present at the entrance.

So don't forget! Saturday 25. February from 11am, entry is at $20 for 15+ years olds, and you've got last chance to get more information and secure your festival tickets at http://vodafest.org

See you all there!