Slovenefest 2010 music and praises

After talking to several people who attended XXIX Slovenefest in Enon Valley, PA, I have an impression that this was certainly an event well worth experiencing and that I better make sure to be there myself next year... :)

Though, the sweetest testimonial I received from Agnes & Lou Lyman who have also never been at this Slovenian fest at the SNPJ Recreation Center before:

We just returned from a trip to Pennsylvania including a stop at the Enon Valley Slovenefest (our first). Missed seeing you but did talk to Mary Ann & Ralph. Also saw other familiar faces from Spring Hill. It was an enjoyable time.

Best wishes,
Agnes & Lou Lyman

Walt and Eileen Harfmann were also there with their new camera and took several great videos of the bands playing. Below are a few that I chose to share with you.

Most authentic Slovenian music - because it came straight from Slovenia - performed by "Društvo ljubiteljev harmonik, Godič." Mary Ann told me they were excellent and now I can hear/see what she meant.



And some more familiar faces - Bob Kravos and The Boys In The Band with Wayne Habat, doing a famous hit of his Father, Eddie Habat,"This Must Be The Place."



Joe Fedorchak playing with Jack Vasko & Company:



Last but not least, some more American Cleveland-Style polka music legends - Frank Stanger Orchestra joined by Eddie & Kim Rodick:

SNPJ Slovenefest XXIX

Image via Wikipedia
Enon Valley, Pennsylvania

This past weekend (Friday through Sunday, July 9-11, 2010) Slovenefest at the SNPJ Recreational Center in Enon Valley, Pennsylvania, was the biggest event with Slovenian food, music and dancing in the country.

I heard from a few people that were attending this festive event. They all told me the same thing:  the music and crowds were good and the weather not too hot.

Larry Zaletel made sure I received the images of this popular event right after it was over. Thank you so much for sharing!!

 Image above: Happy Timers at Slovenefest 2010

Photo © 2010 Isabel Blaha

Photo above: Magic Buttons at Slovenefest 2010
Photo © 2010 Russ Imburgia

Photo above: Mahoning Valley at Slovenefest 2010
Photo © 2010 Russ Imburgia

Photo above: Open jamming at Slovenefest 2010
Photo © 2010 Russ Imburgia

Photo above: Magic Buttons at Slovenefest 2010

Photo © 2010 Larry Zaletel

Photo above: Polka dancing at Slovenefest 2010

Photo © 2010 Larry Zaletel

Photo above: Slovenefest 2010 in Enon Valley, Pennsylvania

Photo © 2010 Larry Zaletel

Photo above: SNPJ Recreation Center, Slovenefest 2010

Photo © 2010 Larry Zaletel

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Sunset photography from around the world

Author of all the photos in this post is Larry Zaletel ©.

Thank you, Larry - for sharing them with all of us!!  :)

Kona, Hawaii

Kona in Hawaii

Kona - Hawaii

Petrovac na moru - Montenegro

Sveti Stefan - Montenegro

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Florida sunsets

As I've been spending quite some time away from the computer this spring and summer, I've managed to take a sizable collection of sunset photos on some Florida's west coast beaches. Here's a handful, especially for you. They were all taken with my cell phone though, so they are not the highest quality.

Photo above: Sunset on Pine Island, Hernando County

Photo above: Sunset on Sunset Beach, Pinellas County

Photo above: Sunset on Clearwater Beach, Pinellas County

Photo above: Sunset on Dunedin Causeway Beach, Pinellas County

If you too have a nice photo from your vacations that you'd like to share on this blog, please email it to me!

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New image

I decided to change the look of this blog, to make it look more cheerful and summery (to match the season) - and easier to browse. I hope you like it...

Photo "Early morning in a Somerset poppy field" - courtesy of Carl Loves Somerset



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Slovenian soccer fairytale continues

Image via Wikipedia

"Slovenian soccer fairytale continues," were the words of American reporter on ABC TV channel - after Slovenia won their first game at the FIFA world championship in South Africa.

Midfielder Robert Koren's late goal 'handed Slovenia their first-ever FIFA World Cup victory as well as the top spot in Group C as they beat 10-man Algeria 1-0 in Polokwane.'


Slovenia is the smallest nation ever - in the history of soccer world cup - to qualify for the world championship twice in a row - back to back.

Robert Koren's 79th-minute goal handed Slovenia a 1-0 win over 10-man Algeria on Sunday in Polokwane for their first-ever FIFA World Cup™ victory. Following the US and England's 1-1 draw the night before in Rustenburg, the Slovenians jumped to the top of Group C at a boisterous Peter Mokaba Stadium, which also witnessed second-half substitute Abdelkader Ghezzal sent off after just 15 minutes on the pitch.

In the end, the extra man did not do much for Slovenia, but Budweiser Man of the Match Koren hit his shot well from the edge of the area. Chaouchi seemed to be well-placed to save the shot, but to the shock of the colourful supporters from Algeria, the ball bulged the back of the net.

Slovenia next meet USA in Johannesburg's Ellis Park on 18 June, while Algeria will try to rebound against group favourites England the same day in Cape Town.

Source:
http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/matches/round=249722/match=300061465/summary.html

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• Algeria 0 Slovenia 1: match report (telegraph.co.uk)
• World Cup post-game: Slovenia 1, Algeria 0 (cbc.ca)

Bessemer Accordion Festival 2010

My online friend Larry Zaletel was kind enough to send me this photo, taken at Bessemer Accordion Festival in Pennsylvania this past weekend. It's always good to see what our members and guests are doing all summer long.

Photo above: Linda Hochevar, Frank Moravcik and The Happy Timers at Bessemer Accordion Festival 2010

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From Michigan by Catherine Feil

Port Austin Stompers

4th of July Parade

We won first place for our truck decorating. Had a good time. We were near the end of the parade so we got to dance lots as it slowed down and stopped lots. We are usually first and get yelled at for holding up the parade but this year was great. The end spot is good. The plus was we were in front of the horses. Whew!

 

Parade Committee Choice 2009

  

Fourth of July parade decorated truck

  

 Port Austin Stompers decorated truck

 

 Port Austin Stompers line dancers

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