Category

Serb Fest

Share your story and be part of the SerbFest 2023 Historical Exhibit at St. Sava in Merrillville

By | General Information/News, Historical Society, Serb Fest | No Comments

The Historical Society at St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church in Merrillville, Indiana is inviting members and parishioners to participate in the exhibit theme for this year’s 2023 Serb Fest focusing on our collective immigration experiences.

The Historical Society welcomes participation through the sharing of stories of your family or yourself as an immigrant to America.

Tell us about the journey: struggles, hardships, successes, and especially those who may have helped along the way. Finding work, schooling, making new friends, interacting with neighbors, learning the new language, and the role of the church were all part of adjusting to a new life.

Saint Sava’s Vrtikapa and Pujo families have a history of 5 generations in active membership! We have many 4th generation families. Many post WWII Serbian children were born in displaced person camps in Germany or Italy, while others had fathers who were prisoners of war.

Some members came as Chetniks and have fascinating stories of courage and resilience. Ellis Island was the processing and entry point for many immigrants who traveled by ship.

Members of St. Sava Church welcomed immigrants by providing sponsorship with housing and assistance in finding steady jobs. The Serbian National Defense loaned cash to arriving immigrants.

Some came during peaceful times; others immigrated after being driven from their homes in the 1990’s. Every family has a unique experience worth sharing.

We are collecting related artifacts that were brought here by you or a loved one. Examples would be: legal travel documents, photos, keepsakes, cookware, a coat, hat, dress, trunk or suitcase. Original items or copies will be displayed under heavy glass in a locked room. All items are on loan and will be returned at the end of the exhibit the following summer.

Invite your children to write the story to learn about their own family ancestry. Please limit your story to 2 pages plus photos and documents. If you would like assistance, one of our members would be happy to meet with you in person or take a phone interview to write your story.

Please have you stories completed by July 1, 2023. We look forward to showcasing the stories of Serbian immigrants who helped build this country and this beautiful church with hard work, integrity, and pride.

Contact:
Dorothy Paunovich 510-289-9862 dorothyshops@&mail.com
Milica Ruzbasan 219-310-8255 milicatl@comcast.net
Paul & Xenia Jancarich 219-242-0077

SerbFest 2022 announces music acts July 29, 30, & 31 at St. Sava in Merrillville, Indiana

By | General Information/News, Serb Fest | No Comments

Three days, 7 unique musical acts, and 40 hours of live performances – it’s part of the core of what Serb Fest 2022 is all about – music, singing, and dancing taking place at St. Sava in Merrillville, Indiana July 29, 30, & 31.

From the classic kolo dances to the traditional tones of the plucked tamburica and the talented singers in our Serbian Kafana, you’ll experience a dynamic range of cultural music and dance at St. Sava Serb Fest 2022.

Opening night Friday, July 29 will also feature “Together Band” – an exciting and versatile 12-piece band from the Indiana & Chicagoland area performing American music from Big Band to Oldies and popular Top 40’s Hits under the big tent in the parking lot.

In addition to all the amazing food, drinks, and baked goods at St. Sava Serb Fest, our musical and entertainment offerings are a critical part of the cultural experience. Let’s face it, we love to sing, dance, and celebrate culture with family and friends!

Check out the complete daily schedule at www.serbfest.org to see who is playing and performance times for each day of the fest.

With musical acts playing simultaneously throughout nearly all of the fest, you’ll never know exactly where a Kolo dance may spontaneously begin. One thing is certain, you’ll know it when it happens and you’ll probably want to join in the fun!

Musical acts throughout SerbFest 2022 include:

  • DUNAV OF CHICAGO
  • ORKESTRA SUMADIJA
  • PRAZNA FLASHA from Wisconsin
  • TOGETHER BAND
  • KO TO TAMO PEVA
  • VLATKO MISKOVIC & JELKA JEKNIC
  • NIKOLA PRVULOVIC & SANDRA OSTOJIC

Check out the complete daily schedule at www.serbfest.org to see who is playing and performance times for each day of the fest.

SerbFest 2021 announces music acts July 23, 24, & 25 at St. Sava in Merrillville, Indiana

By | General Information/News, Serb Fest | No Comments

Three days, 9 unique musical acts, and 45 hours of live performances – it’s part of the core of what Serb Fest 2021 is all about – music, singing, and dancing taking place at St. Sava in Merrillville, Indiana July 23, 24, & 25.

From the contemporary sounds of the modern Serbian DJ to the traditional tones of the plucked tamburica and the talented singers in our Serbian Kafana, you’ll experience a dynamic range of cultural music and dance at St. Sava Serb Fest 2021.

Opening night Friday, July 23 will also feature “Together Band” – an exciting and versatile 12-piece band from the Indiana & Chicagoland area performing American music from Big Band to Oldies and popular Top 40’s Hits under the big tent in the parking lot.

In addition to all the amazing food, drinks, and baked goods at St. Sava Serb Fest, our musical and entertainment offerings are a critical part of the cultural experience. Let’s face it, we love to sing, dance, and celebrate culture with family and friends!

Check out the complete daily schedule at www.serbfest.org to see who is playing and performance times for each day of the fest.

With musical acts playing simultaneously throughout nearly all of the fest, you’ll never know exactly where a Kolo dance may spontaneously begin. One thing is certain, you’ll know it when it happens and you’ll probably want to join in the fun!

Musical acts throughout SerbFest 2021 include:

  • ANDJELA SUBOTIC & NESA KASTELO
  • DIJANA ANTONIJEVIC & NESA KASTELO
  • DJ GOGI (GORAN) from Cleveland
  • DRINA
  • DUNAV OF CHICAGO
  • ORKESTRA SUMADIJA
  • PRAZNA FLASHA from Wisconsin
  • TOGETHER BAND
  • ZORAN RADOVANOVIC, MARIJA MARA & ZORAN MILETIC

Check out the complete daily schedule at www.serbfest.org to see who is playing and performance times for each day of the fest.

Historical Society Exhibit: Serbs in Arts and Entertainment

By | Fundraising, General Information/News, Historical Society, Serb Fest | No Comments

Visit the exhibit during Serb Fest 2017 to learn about the Serbian connection with this famous Hollywood classic.

“Serbs in Arts and Entertainment” is the theme of this year’s special exhibit by the St. Sava Serbian Historical Society that will be featured throughout Serb Fest 2017 (www.serbfest.org).

The exhibit features the talents and accomplishments of modern day and historic Serbs in the arts.

For centuries Serbian artists, poets, Pulitzer Prize winning authors, composers, and actors have made their contributions to society by sharing their talents.

Some of these special individuals have unique connections here with St. Sava Church that has been serving the Northwest Indiana community for more than 100 years.

Visit the exhibit located in the North Wing of the main Church building throughout the festival. Admission is free and everyone is welcome.

Raffle tickets available for $50,000 in prizes to be awarded to 18 winners for Serb Fest 2017

By | Fundraising, General Information/News, Serb Fest | No Comments

Now is the time to obtain your tickets for the Serb Fest Annual Cash Raffle before the big festival takes place August 4, 5, and 6 at St Sava Church in Merrillville, IN.

There are a total of 18 cash prizes worth a total of $50,000 cash. $25,000 will be going to the Grand Prize winner.

Tickets for the Serb Fest Annual Cash Raffle are available through multiple volunteer ticket sellers associated with the church. You can call ahead to the Church Office at 219-736-9191 if you would like to pick-up a ticket during regular office hours Monday through Friday between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.

You can also call Raffle Committee Leaders Mike Jaksich at 219-880-6307 or David Gerbick at 219-588-3604 to arrange to pick-up your tickets. Again, tickets are also available from other ticket sellers associated with the church.

There are only 1,000 tickets sold for the entire raffle. Tickets are a $100 donation and the winner need not be present.

The St. Sava Serb Fest will take place Friday, August 4 through Sunday, August 6 at the St. Sava Church and Pavilion, 9191 Mississippi Street, Merrillville, IN 46410.

Learn more about Serb Fest 2017 by visiting www.serbfest.org and join us to celebrate at St. Sava in Merrillville, Indiana!

Annual Serb Fest Cash Raffle Prize Listing

  • Grand Prize – $25,000
  • 2nd Prize – $10,000
  • 3rd Prize – $5,000
  • 4th – 6th Prize – $1,000
  • 7th-16th Prize – $500
  • 17th Prize – $1,000 – Early Bird Drawing awarded July 23rd
  • 18th Prize – $1,000 – Early Bird Drawing awarded June 4th

The Serb Fest Cash Raffle is organized by St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church, Indiana Gaming Commission license number 144550. The license is on file with the Church Office.

Serb Fest 2017 Golf Outing at St. Sava Merrillville Friday, Aug. 4; Registration Deadline Tuesday, Aug. 1

By | Fundraising, General Information/News, Serb Fest | No Comments

Register your foursome or individually for the St. Sava Serb Fest Golf Outing taking place Friday, August 4 at River Pointe Country Club in Hobart, Indiana.

Player check-in at the course begins at 10:00 a.m. and shotgun start at 11:30 a.m.

Includes 18-holes of golf with cart, refreshments, lunch buffet at St. Sava with spit roasted lamb, spit roasted pig, cevaps, sarma (stuffed cabbage), salad, homemade baked goods, and two drink tickets.

  • 2 Longest Drive Holes
  • 2 Closest to the Pin Holes

Cost: Per Person $115 / Foursome $440

Registration deadline is Tuesday, August 1 – call the St. Sava Office at 219-736-9191 for more information.

Long known, and still referred to by some as the Gary Works Supervisor’s Club, River Pointe Country Club maintains 27 holes, spanning three “mix and match” 9s, offering country-club conditions, and beautiful natural surroundings Golfers will enjoy with the course’s fun yet challenging layout.

Become a Golf Outing Sponsor

We are asking you, your business, or your organization to sponsor one or more holes at this year’s St. Sava Serb Fest Golf Outing.

The Outing kicks-off the first day of the three day St. Sava Serb Fest which runs Friday thru Sunday – August 4, 5, & 6.

Sponsorship is $100 per hole.

Your sponsorship name will be placed on a banner and prominently displayed at the Serb Fest which is attended by thousands over the three days of the event.

St. Sava’s annual Serb Fest is recognized as one of the most popular summer events in Northwest Indiana, featuring spit roasted lamb, roasted pig, sarma (stuffed cabbage), cevaps, salads, home baked desserts, music, drinks, dance, and three days of fun!

Thank you for your sponsorship and we look forward to seeing you at this year’s St. Sava Serb Fest celebration!

$50,000 in prizes to be awarded to 18 winners at Serb Fest 2017; Tickets still available

By | Fundraising, General Information/News, Serb Fest | No Comments

Now is the time to obtain your tickets for the Serb Fest Annual Cash Raffle before the big festival takes place August 4, 5, and 6 at St Sava Church in Merrillville, IN.

There are 18 cash prizes worth a total of $50,000 cash. $25,000 will be going to the Grand Prize winner.

Tickets for the Serb Fest Annual Cash Raffle are available through multiple volunteer ticket sellers associated with the church. You can call ahead to the Church Office at 219-736-9191 if you would like to pick-up a ticket during regular office hours Monday through Friday between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.

You can also call Raffle Committee Leaders Mike Jaksich at 219-880-6307 or David Gerbick at 219-588-3604 to arrange to pick-up your tickets. Again, tickets are also available from other ticket sellers associated with the church.

There are only 1,000 tickets sold for the entire raffle. Tickets are a $100 donation and the winner need not be present.

The St. Sava Serb Fest will take place Friday, August 4 through Sunday, August 6 at the St. Sava Church and Pavilion, 9191 Mississippi Street, Merrillville, IN 46410.

Learn more about Serb Fest 2017 by visiting www.serbfest.org and join us to celebrate at St. Sava in Merrillville, Indiana!

Annual Serb Fest Cash Raffle Prize Listing

  • Grand Prize – $25,000
  • 2nd Prize – $10,000
  • 3rd Prize – $5,000
  • 4th – 6th Prize – $1,000
  • 7th-16th Prize – $500
  • 17th Prize – $1,000 – Early Bird Drawing awarded July 23rd
  • 18th Prize – $1,000 – Early Bird Drawing awarded June 4th

The Serb Fest Cash Raffle is organized by St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church, Indiana Gaming Commission license number 144550. The license is on file with the Church Office.

Serb Fest 2017 volunteers are needed; Sign-up now online, choose your times

By | Fundraising, General Information/News, Serb Fest | No Comments

St. Sava in Merrillville, Indiana will be hosting thousands of guests during Serb Fest 2017 taking place August 4, 5, & 6 which means volunteer help will be critical for making this annual tradition a success.

Members, families, and friends of St. Sava Church will find it easier to lend support and choose specific times to offer volunteer service at Serb Fest 2017 with access to the new online volunteer sign-up process now available at https://www.saintsava.net/volunteer on the St. Sava website.

To sign-up for volunteering, the process is simple:

  1. Click https://www.saintsava.net/volunteer
  2. Select a volunteer opportunity from the listing by clicking the title
  3. Identify a specific date and time from the options available and click the “Sign-up” link
  4. Fill in your name, phone number, and e-mail address
  5. Click the “Sign-me up!” button

You are able to sign-up for as many volunteer time slots as you wish. Ideally most volunteers will repeat the above process and sign-up for multiple volunteer options, for as much as time permits.

Volunteers will receive reminder e-mails the week before and a couple of days before they have to volunteer. Phone numbers and e-mails will only be available to the team leaders of the various volunteer opportunities so they may notify volunteers of any updates or changes to schedules.

For questions about the online sign-up process, please e-mail christopher.kosovich@saintsava.net. For general questions about Serb Fest 2017 please send e-mail to ray.radjenovich@saintsava.net or vlade.stevanovic@saintsava.net.

$25,000 Grand Prize for winner in Serb Fest Annual Cash Raffle at St. Sava Merrillville – Sunday, Aug. 6

By | General Information/News, Serb Fest | No Comments

Now is the time to obtain your tickets for the Serb Fest Annual Cash Raffle before the big festival takes place August 4, 5, and 6 at St Sava Church in Merrillville, IN.

There are 18 cash prizes worth a total of $50,000 cash. $25,000 will be going to the Grand Prize winner.

Tickets for the Serb Fest Annual Cash Raffle are available through multiple volunteer ticket sellers associated with the church. You can call ahead to the Church Office at 219-736-9191 if you would like to pick-up a ticket during regular office hours Monday through Friday between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.

You can also call Raffle Committee Leaders Mike Jaksich at 219-880-6307 or David Gerbick at 219-588-3604 to arrange to pick-up your tickets. Again, tickets are also available from other ticket sellers associated with the church.

 

There are only 1,000 tickets sold for the entire raffle. Tickets are a $100 donation and the winner need not be present.

The St. Sava Serb Fest will take place Friday, August 4 through Sunday, August 6 at the St. Sava Church and Pavilion, 9191 Mississippi Street, Merrillville, IN 46410.

Learn more about Serb Fest 2017 by visiting www.serbfest.org and join us to celebrate at St. Sava in Merrillville, Indiana!

Annual Serb Fest Cash Raffle Prize Listing

  • Grand Prize – $25,000
  • 2nd Prize – $10,000
  • 3rd Prize – $5,000
  • 4th – 6th Prize – $1,000
  • 7th-16th Prize – $500
  • 17th Prize – $1,000 – Early Bird Drawing awarded July 23rd
  • 18th Prize – $1,000 – Early Bird Drawing awarded June 4th

The Serb Fest Cash Raffle is organized by St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church, Indiana Gaming Commission license number 144550. The license is on file with the Church Office.

Download St. Sava Serb Fest 2017 Golf Outing Registration; Sponsorship Forms

By | Fundraising, General Information/News, Serb Fest | No Comments

Register your foursome or individually for the St. Sava Serb Fest Golf Outing taking place Friday, August 4 at River Pointe Country Club in Hobart, Indiana.

Player check-in at the course begins at 10:00 a.m. and shotgun start at 11:30 a.m.

Includes 18-holes of golf with cart, refreshments, lunch buffet at St. Sava with spit roasted lamb, spit roasted pig, cevaps, sarma (stuffed cabbage), salad, homemade baked goods, and two drink tickets.

  • 2 Longest Drive Holes
  • 2 Closest to the Pin Holes

Cost: Per Person $115 / Foursome $440

Registration deadline is Tuesday, August 1 – call the St. Sava Office at 219-736-9191 for more information.

Long known, and still referred to by some as the Gary Works Supervisor’s Club, River Pointe Country Club maintains 27 holes, spanning three “mix and match” 9s, offering country-club conditions, and beautiful natural surroundings Golfers will enjoy with the course’s fun yet challenging layout.

Become a Golf Outing Sponsor

We are asking you, your business, or your organization to sponsor one or more holes at this year’s St. Sava Serb Fest Golf Outing.

The Outing kicks-off the first day of the three day St. Sava Serb Fest which runs Friday thru Sunday – August 4, 5, & 6.

Sponsorship is $100 per hole.

Your sponsorship name will be placed on a banner and prominently displayed at the Serb Fest which is attended by thousands over the three days of the event.

St. Sava’s annual Serb Fest is recognized as one of the most popular summer events in Northwest Indiana, featuring spit roasted lamb, roasted pig, sarma (stuffed cabbage), cevaps, salads, home baked desserts, music, drinks, dance, and three days of fun!

Thank you for your sponsorship and we look forward to seeing you at this year’s St. Sava Serb Fest celebration!