The 50th Annual St. Cyril and Methodius Slavic Heritage Festival was held on Sunday, September 29, 2013 at the Knights of Columbus Hall on E. Whitney in Houston. The morning began with a traditional Slavic Mass honoring Sts. Cyril and Methodius followed by a procession and grand entrance into the main hall. Greg Harbar and the Gypsies were the first group to perform on the stage. At noon, there was a welcoming ceremony for the Slavic Communites of Poland, Ukraine, Czech Republic and Croatia along with the singing of the United States and each participating countries national anthems.
Afternoon entertainment was provided by the Polish Dance Group Wawel, Czech, Ukrainian and Croation Dancers, Edward Winiarski and Mark Halata. At 2 pm, there was a colorful procession of the Slavic costumes and flags led by the Knights of Columbus, followed by a presentation of the princesses and queen of the Slavic nations. Ashley Giles, daughter of festival chairman Bobby Giles was this years Polish Queen with Gabrielle Spring as the Ukrainian Princess, Jennifer Koll as the Czech Princess and Jazell Ceuric as the Croation Princess.
Ethnic group and commercial booths lined the festival hall. A great variety of slavic food including Polish food from Polonia Restaurant was available as well as beer, wine and other drinks.
Below are a few photos of the fun and there is a slideshow of many more photos on page 2 and a slideshow of photos of the Slavic Fsetival Mass on page 3
Slideshow of Slavic Heritage Festival
Slideshow of Slavic Festival Mass
James Smock has always held an interest in his Polish ancestors and heritage. He is a native Houstonian with Polish roots in Bremond, Marlin and New Waverly, Texas.