PÁS in the News
The 92nd Annual Slovak Day at Kennywood Park –a treasure chest of memories that we cherish with more waiting to be created
PÁS Adult Ensemble at the 2014 Slovak Day at Kennywood Park
The 92nd Annual Slovak Day will take place Thursday July 16, 2015 at Kennywood Park, West Mifflin, PA. It will be an exciting day for Americans of Slovak descent to celebrate their heritage with each other while enjoying colorful displays, authentic costumes, a Slovak liturgy, spectacular Slovak Dance performances, scrumptious Slovak food, special children’s activities, as well as foot-tapping music for dancing. These combine to build a treasure chest of memories, ---many to be remembered and still more waiting to be created.
Slovak Day at Kennywood Park is sponsored by the Western Pennsylvania Slovak Day Association under the leadership of Dolores Sakal, Reverend Joseph Grosko and assisted by Rev. Greg Madja. It is comprised of Slovak organizations from Western Pennsylvania who come together to recognize all people of Slovak heritage in a day of fun and entertainment. Slovak Day was established in 1923 to recognize and preserve the Slovak heritage in Western Pennsylvania. Kennywood Park became synonymous with this annual gathering due to easy access via the streetcar line from all regions of Western Pennsylvania. Slovak Day helped give many Slovak families a chance to speak in their own native language, socialize with friends, dance and sing the traditional favorites while enjoying the rich heritage they brought to this area. This event supports non-profit Slovak organizations of Western Pennsylvania such as the Western Pennsylvania Cultural Association, The Vincentian Home, the School Sisters of St. Francis, the Slovak Radio Hour, The Pittsburgh Slovakians and The Pittsburgh Area Slovak Folk Ensemble. Last year the Western Pennsylvania Slovak Day Association contributed approximately $4000 to these organizations.
A highlight of Slovak Day is the Eucharistic Celebration in the Main Pavilion directly behind “Garfield’s Revenge” at 4:00 pm. This year's principal celebrant will be the newly ordained "Bishop Edward C. Malesic" from the Greensburg Diocese. Priests form Pittsburgh, Greensburg and Johnstown-Altoona Diocese will also concelebrate the liturgy. The Liturgical Music will be provided by Rev. Greg Madja. Immediately following will be the vibrant repertoire of Slovak music, songs and dances presented by the the “Pittsburgh Area Slovak Folk Ensemble” (PAS) and the “Pittsburgh Slovakians”.
Slovak Day Activities at Kennywood Park will overflow with music, food, dancing, displays, and children’s activities beginning at 12:30 pm.
Tantalize your taste buds at the Slovak Kitchen where you will be able to enjoy holubky (stuffed cabbage), haluski (sweet cabbage and noodles), and kolbasy. Your sweet tooth can be satisfied with the homemade favorite - ceregi. Enjoy this delicious dinner or ale carte foods and relax amid the echoes of Slovakia, as strolling musicians play all of the “Slovak favorites”. Food will be served in Pavilion #4 behind the ride “Garfield’s Revenge” from 1:00 p.m. until the food is sold out.
In the Main Pavilion # 5 there will be Slovak Cultural Displays provided by the Slovak Fraternals as well as the popular “Kroj” Slovak National Costumes Exhibit.
In Pavilion #3, you will be able to see an exhibit Slovak Game Room, prepared by the “PAS” Jr. and Maly Ensembles. The exhibit is a Slovak heirloom of folk treasures that show the incredible skill and artistry of the Slovak villagers.
A special youth area will feature activities just for children. The children’s program will include games and treats beginning at 12:30 pm by the Main Pavilion. Every child participating in these activities will receive a free treat. Also at 2:00 pm children entertainment will be provided on the Main Stage by the “PAS” Jr. and Maly Ensembles and the “Pittsburgh Jr. Slovakians.
From 2 to 4 pm, one can sit back and enjoy the music or kick up your heels dancing, grab a partner and twirl to traditional Slovak music of the George Batyi Ensemble at the Kitchen Pavilion.-
For a day to remember, join all Slovaks on Thursday, July 16, 2015, Kennywood Park. The cost of tickets are $25 for Fun Day General Admission, $15 for those 55 years of age and over, plus a coupon will be available for those 70 years and over to be paid at the gate. Tickets and coupons are available by contacting PAS at [email protected] or (412) 373-3873; you may also use the contact form found by clicking here.
For general information about the 92nd Slovak Day contact Chairwoman Dolores Sakal at (412) 243-0438.
Written by: Angela M. Lipchick
Slovak Day at Kennywood Park is sponsored by the Western Pennsylvania Slovak Day Association under the leadership of Dolores Sakal, Reverend Joseph Grosko and assisted by Rev. Greg Madja. It is comprised of Slovak organizations from Western Pennsylvania who come together to recognize all people of Slovak heritage in a day of fun and entertainment. Slovak Day was established in 1923 to recognize and preserve the Slovak heritage in Western Pennsylvania. Kennywood Park became synonymous with this annual gathering due to easy access via the streetcar line from all regions of Western Pennsylvania. Slovak Day helped give many Slovak families a chance to speak in their own native language, socialize with friends, dance and sing the traditional favorites while enjoying the rich heritage they brought to this area. This event supports non-profit Slovak organizations of Western Pennsylvania such as the Western Pennsylvania Cultural Association, The Vincentian Home, the School Sisters of St. Francis, the Slovak Radio Hour, The Pittsburgh Slovakians and The Pittsburgh Area Slovak Folk Ensemble. Last year the Western Pennsylvania Slovak Day Association contributed approximately $4000 to these organizations.
A highlight of Slovak Day is the Eucharistic Celebration in the Main Pavilion directly behind “Garfield’s Revenge” at 4:00 pm. This year's principal celebrant will be the newly ordained "Bishop Edward C. Malesic" from the Greensburg Diocese. Priests form Pittsburgh, Greensburg and Johnstown-Altoona Diocese will also concelebrate the liturgy. The Liturgical Music will be provided by Rev. Greg Madja. Immediately following will be the vibrant repertoire of Slovak music, songs and dances presented by the the “Pittsburgh Area Slovak Folk Ensemble” (PAS) and the “Pittsburgh Slovakians”.
Slovak Day Activities at Kennywood Park will overflow with music, food, dancing, displays, and children’s activities beginning at 12:30 pm.
Tantalize your taste buds at the Slovak Kitchen where you will be able to enjoy holubky (stuffed cabbage), haluski (sweet cabbage and noodles), and kolbasy. Your sweet tooth can be satisfied with the homemade favorite - ceregi. Enjoy this delicious dinner or ale carte foods and relax amid the echoes of Slovakia, as strolling musicians play all of the “Slovak favorites”. Food will be served in Pavilion #4 behind the ride “Garfield’s Revenge” from 1:00 p.m. until the food is sold out.
In the Main Pavilion # 5 there will be Slovak Cultural Displays provided by the Slovak Fraternals as well as the popular “Kroj” Slovak National Costumes Exhibit.
In Pavilion #3, you will be able to see an exhibit Slovak Game Room, prepared by the “PAS” Jr. and Maly Ensembles. The exhibit is a Slovak heirloom of folk treasures that show the incredible skill and artistry of the Slovak villagers.
A special youth area will feature activities just for children. The children’s program will include games and treats beginning at 12:30 pm by the Main Pavilion. Every child participating in these activities will receive a free treat. Also at 2:00 pm children entertainment will be provided on the Main Stage by the “PAS” Jr. and Maly Ensembles and the “Pittsburgh Jr. Slovakians.
From 2 to 4 pm, one can sit back and enjoy the music or kick up your heels dancing, grab a partner and twirl to traditional Slovak music of the George Batyi Ensemble at the Kitchen Pavilion.-
For a day to remember, join all Slovaks on Thursday, July 16, 2015, Kennywood Park. The cost of tickets are $25 for Fun Day General Admission, $15 for those 55 years of age and over, plus a coupon will be available for those 70 years and over to be paid at the gate. Tickets and coupons are available by contacting PAS at [email protected] or (412) 373-3873; you may also use the contact form found by clicking here.
For general information about the 92nd Slovak Day contact Chairwoman Dolores Sakal at (412) 243-0438.
Written by: Angela M. Lipchick
Kennywood Celebrates 90th Annual Slovak American Day
 PÁS Adult Ensemble at the 2013 Slovak Day at Kennywood Park
WEST MIFFLIN (KDKA) — It’s not all coasters and bungee jumps on a hot day at KennywoodPark.
The 90th annual Slovak American Day is a banner day for old traditions, and others just beginning. Descendants of mill workers celebrate the color and cuisine of those who came before. More than 100,000 Slovaks live in the Pittsburgh area. And about 2,000 will turn out for Slovak Day. For organizer Dolores Sakal, it’s a recipe for remembrance. “It’s just part of our heritage,” she says. “And I like to do it. And as long as we have good women that are able to do it, then we will continue.” |
Slovak Consul General Jana Trnoveova, based in New York, says this year marks the independent republic’s 20th anniversary.
“I know that in Pittsburgh there’s a huge Slovak community,” she says. “That means that these people have to show to the others their culture because their culture contributed to the development of Pittsburgh.” Anna Golofski, 94, has attended every Slovak Day, including the one in 1937 when she met her future husband. “I didn’t want to go with him,” she recalls, “and the girls said, ‘Go ahead. Go.’ He was in his soldier’s uniform. So that was it.” 
PÁS members George Sr. and Jr. as they appear in the KDKA broadcast of the 90th Slovak Day at Kennywood.
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Pittsburgh Area Slovak Folk Ensemble to Debut 2013 Program at the 90th Annual Slovak Day at Kennywood Park
PÁS members pose outside of the United States Slovak Embassy, May 2013
July 2013 – After a series of exhilarating performances in May at the United States Slovak Embassy in Washington D.C., the Pittsburgh Area Slovak Folk Ensemble (PÁS) is thrilled to debut its 2013 program on July 18th for Slovak Day at Kennywood Park.
Songs and dances for this year’s program come from the Górale region of Slovakia, located in the high Tatra mountains.
“The Tatra mountain region of northern Slovakia has a distinct and abundantly rich culture,” says Angela Lipchick, PÁS Director. “Together with the dialect and temperament of these mountain people, the songs and dances of this region are some of the most beautiful and unusual from Slovakia.”
The Górale styling is unique from dances performed in other areas of Slovakia in the fact that the men and women dance separately. Lipchick explains, “The male takes the more predominant role vying with his peers to impress the women with intricate footwork and jumps in the air. The female plays a more passive role performing small quick steps around her partner; turning and spinning at his command.”
Songs and dances for this year’s program come from the Górale region of Slovakia, located in the high Tatra mountains.
“The Tatra mountain region of northern Slovakia has a distinct and abundantly rich culture,” says Angela Lipchick, PÁS Director. “Together with the dialect and temperament of these mountain people, the songs and dances of this region are some of the most beautiful and unusual from Slovakia.”
The Górale styling is unique from dances performed in other areas of Slovakia in the fact that the men and women dance separately. Lipchick explains, “The male takes the more predominant role vying with his peers to impress the women with intricate footwork and jumps in the air. The female plays a more passive role performing small quick steps around her partner; turning and spinning at his command.”
This year’s dances showcase the work of one of PÁS’s choreographers, Alissa Tilger.
“I am very grateful and honored for this opportunity to choreograph [and] teach a program from the Górale region,” says Tilger. “PÁS has been very supportive to me in this transition period. I look forward to our debut of the new program.”
The 2013 production also provides an exciting opportunity to enjoy the ensemble’s new beautiful handmade costumes, the energetic music of the PÁS live orchestra, and the imaginative, playful children’s display and performance.
Join PÁS on Thursday, July 18th as its members, together with the Pittsburgh Slovak community, celebrate the legacy of the 90th Annual Slovak Day. The Kennywood Adult performance will take place in the Main Pavilion at 5:00 PM, preceded by the children’s show, which begins at 2:00 PM.
Stop by Pavillion #3 to view the children’s display beginning at noon. This year’s theme will be an Odpust (Forgiveness) Pilgrimage, and will include a ‘Walk with Mary’ by members of the Malý (Little) PÁS Ensemble. Members of the Adult and Junior Ensemble will be available throughout the day to answer any questions related to the display, PÁS membership, or other rewarding experiences celebrating Slovak heritage.
For more information about purchasing Slovak Day at Kennywood tickets, please click here or call (412) 373-3873. To learn more about this event click here.
“I am very grateful and honored for this opportunity to choreograph [and] teach a program from the Górale region,” says Tilger. “PÁS has been very supportive to me in this transition period. I look forward to our debut of the new program.”
The 2013 production also provides an exciting opportunity to enjoy the ensemble’s new beautiful handmade costumes, the energetic music of the PÁS live orchestra, and the imaginative, playful children’s display and performance.
Join PÁS on Thursday, July 18th as its members, together with the Pittsburgh Slovak community, celebrate the legacy of the 90th Annual Slovak Day. The Kennywood Adult performance will take place in the Main Pavilion at 5:00 PM, preceded by the children’s show, which begins at 2:00 PM.
Stop by Pavillion #3 to view the children’s display beginning at noon. This year’s theme will be an Odpust (Forgiveness) Pilgrimage, and will include a ‘Walk with Mary’ by members of the Malý (Little) PÁS Ensemble. Members of the Adult and Junior Ensemble will be available throughout the day to answer any questions related to the display, PÁS membership, or other rewarding experiences celebrating Slovak heritage.
For more information about purchasing Slovak Day at Kennywood tickets, please click here or call (412) 373-3873. To learn more about this event click here.
Downtown Pittsburgh reveals Light Up Night plans
November 2, 2012 12:26 amBy Mark Belko / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
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Light Up weekend Downtown will have it all this year -- a visit from Santa, music, ice skating and fireworks.
But one of the biggest attractions of the holiday season will arrive a week later when a European-style market makes it debut in Market Square. Organizers delayed the beginning because they thought Light Up Night crowds would overwhelm the market. For four weeks, Market Square will be transformed into a winter wonderland featuring vendors housed in Alpine-style wooden chalets, musical performances and a big new home-away-from-home for Santa Claus with a bay window, ice-capped chimney and a candy cane entryway. |
In developing the concept, the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership borrowed from the famous centuries-old Christkindlesmarkt in Nuremberg, Germany, and Chicago's Christkindlmarket, which started in 1996 and attracts more than 1 million visitors a year.
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Larry Roberts/Post-Gazette
Lizzie Lipchick, 2,
left, and Marissa Ann Tilger, 4, appear with
the rest of the Pittsburgh Area Slovak Folk Ensemble
Thursday during an announcement about Light Up Night.
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The Peoples Gas Holiday Market Downtown will kick off at noon Nov. 24 with a ribbon cutting and fireworks show -- it's Pittsburgh, after all -- and run through Dec. 23. It will be open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. weekdays, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturdays, and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sundays.
Jeremy Waldrup, president and CEO of the Downtown Partnership, said that 17 vendors have agreed to participate so far and several others may commit before the opening. "Market Square is the perfect venue for an Old World, European-style market, as it has become, once again, the center of this city and a welcoming destination for locals and visitors alike," he said. Vendors such as Ivana's Igloo, The Glass Haus, Alpine Heritage and Old German Christmas will sell merchandise including jewelry, purses, decorative candle pins, soaps, Austrian Nativity scenes, Polish ceramics, hand-painted eggs, wooden toys and scarves from prednisone Turkey, Russia and Austria. |
The 576-square-foot Santa's house is being designed by Desmone and Associates architectural firm and will have three doors, including "child-size" and "Santa-size," presumably for the bigger kids among us.
Children -- and adults -- will be able to visit with Santa. Photos with the jolly old fellow will be available for donations of either cash or nutritious, nonperishable food items to the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank.
"It comes at an especially good time for us, as this is our busiest season," said Lisa Scales, food bank CEO.
In the past year, the organization provided enough food for more than 22 million meals.
While children and seniors make up more than half of the people served, the food bank recently has seen an "alarming" spike in the number of working families seeking help, Ms. Scales said.
The formal kickoff of the holiday season will start with Light Up Night on Nov. 16. The festivities will include traditional activities such as the dedication of the Nativity creche at U.S. Steel Tower, the unveiling of the Macy's holiday windows, ice skating in PPG Place and, of course, a fireworks show launched from the Andy Warhol Bridge.
Musical performances will take place in Market Square, on the Roberto Clemente Bridge and at a new venue in EQT Plaza, featuring jazz artists. Also new this year will be the Bottom Dollar Food "Sounds of the Season" parade at 5 p.m. Nov. 17.
Mr. Waldrup said he is hoping Light Up weekend and the new holiday market will help to spur more retail activity Downtown as a whole. In keeping with the season, some retailers will stay open late Nov. 15 and Dec. 20, and the partnership is encouraging them to try other nights as well.
He said merchants as a whole are looking forward to the holiday season.
"When we talk to Downtown retailers, they're excited about all that's happening. They're excited about the weekend traffic. I think everybody's optimistic about a great holiday season," he said.
To view the original article or read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/local/neighborhoods-city/downtown-pittsburgh-reveals-light-up-night-plans-660307/
Additional articles and videos about this event may be found here: http://pittsburgh.cbslocal.com/2012/11/01/market-square-to-be-transformed-into-european-holiday-marketplace/#.UJNJam9Dfp8.facebook
"It comes at an especially good time for us, as this is our busiest season," said Lisa Scales, food bank CEO.
In the past year, the organization provided enough food for more than 22 million meals.
While children and seniors make up more than half of the people served, the food bank recently has seen an "alarming" spike in the number of working families seeking help, Ms. Scales said.
The formal kickoff of the holiday season will start with Light Up Night on Nov. 16. The festivities will include traditional activities such as the dedication of the Nativity creche at U.S. Steel Tower, the unveiling of the Macy's holiday windows, ice skating in PPG Place and, of course, a fireworks show launched from the Andy Warhol Bridge.
Musical performances will take place in Market Square, on the Roberto Clemente Bridge and at a new venue in EQT Plaza, featuring jazz artists. Also new this year will be the Bottom Dollar Food "Sounds of the Season" parade at 5 p.m. Nov. 17.
Mr. Waldrup said he is hoping Light Up weekend and the new holiday market will help to spur more retail activity Downtown as a whole. In keeping with the season, some retailers will stay open late Nov. 15 and Dec. 20, and the partnership is encouraging them to try other nights as well.
He said merchants as a whole are looking forward to the holiday season.
"When we talk to Downtown retailers, they're excited about all that's happening. They're excited about the weekend traffic. I think everybody's optimistic about a great holiday season," he said.
To view the original article or read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/local/neighborhoods-city/downtown-pittsburgh-reveals-light-up-night-plans-660307/
Additional articles and videos about this event may be found here: http://pittsburgh.cbslocal.com/2012/11/01/market-square-to-be-transformed-into-european-holiday-marketplace/#.UJNJam9Dfp8.facebook
2/25/2012 PÁS to perform at Disney & Slovak Gardens
The Pittsburgh Area Slovak Folk Ensemble (PAS) has been selected to perform at Disney World on the Waterside Stage in Downtown Disney in Orlando, FL, on Friday, March 2, 2012 at 12:30PM.
The group will debut a program from the Horehron region of Slovakia that features the beauty of their stamping, precision and rhythmic movement.
PAS also represented the United States in Det’va Slovakia at the 44th Annual Folklórne Slávnosti Pod Poľanou v Detve (Folklore Celebration below Poľana Mountain) in July 2009. The most recent local invitation came in October of 2011, when the Pittsburgh Philharmonic Symphony requested PAS to join them in a series of concerts.
To continue reading click here.
The group will debut a program from the Horehron region of Slovakia that features the beauty of their stamping, precision and rhythmic movement.
PAS also represented the United States in Det’va Slovakia at the 44th Annual Folklórne Slávnosti Pod Poľanou v Detve (Folklore Celebration below Poľana Mountain) in July 2009. The most recent local invitation came in October of 2011, when the Pittsburgh Philharmonic Symphony requested PAS to join them in a series of concerts.
To continue reading click here.
9/24/2011 PÁS To perform with the Pittsburgh Philharmonic Orchestra
October 2011 – The Pittsburgh Area Slovak Folk Ensemble (PÁS) will be performing two community concerts with the Pittsburgh Philharmonic Orchestra. The two appearances will take place in both the cities of Butler and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
PÁS will represent Slovak culture as part of the Pittsburgh Philharmonic’s program theme of “Going Abroad” during its 2011-2012 regular season. The “first stop” on the tour will take the audience to experience the cultures of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, which included the area of present-day Slovakia. PÁS dancers will perform to the music of the Moravian folklorist/composer, Leoš Janáček with his Lachian Dances.
To continue reading click here.
October 2011 – The Pittsburgh Area Slovak Folk Ensemble (PÁS) will be performing two community concerts with the Pittsburgh Philharmonic Orchestra. The two appearances will take place in both the cities of Butler and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
PÁS will represent Slovak culture as part of the Pittsburgh Philharmonic’s program theme of “Going Abroad” during its 2011-2012 regular season. The “first stop” on the tour will take the audience to experience the cultures of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, which included the area of present-day Slovakia. PÁS dancers will perform to the music of the Moravian folklorist/composer, Leoš Janáček with his Lachian Dances.
To continue reading click here.
2/18/2011 PÁS in Florida: A Magical Reason to Celebrate!
On Friday, March 4, 2011 at 7:45, PÁS will become a part of Disney World's tradition of Magic Music Days in Orlando, Florida. PÁS will debut its new 25-minute program from Zemplin (East) and Central Slovakia. Disney Performing Arts is celebrating its 26th year by providing an opportunity for special groups from around the world to entertain at a world famous attraction. After successfully auditioning, PÁS received the honor to perform in downtown Disney on the Waterside stage, which is the premier venue at Walt Disney World.
On Sunday, March 6th, PÁS will also perform for the 59th Annual Slovak Day at the Slovak Winter Garden complex in Winter Park, Florida.
To continue reading click here.
On Sunday, March 6th, PÁS will also perform for the 59th Annual Slovak Day at the Slovak Winter Garden complex in Winter Park, Florida.
To continue reading click here.
PÁS in the News
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All information, choreography, photos and videos © PÁS Folk Ensemble 2021.
