(Journal screenshot by Justin Marietti)

CALUMET – The first ever CroFest is coming to Calumet this weekend. The festival is celebrating Slovenian and Croatian heritage and is free to attend, with events being held Saturday and Sunday.

The festival comes as part of the Calumet’s sesquicentennial anniversary and the Calumet Theatre’s quasquicentennial anniversary and will be located at 340 6th St, Calumet.

“Savor authentic Balkan cuisine, including ćevapčići (grilled minced meat kebabs, a traditional dish from the Ottoman-era Balkans, served with flatbread, onions, ajvar sweet red pepper sauce, and kajmak creamy dairy spread), sarma (cabbage rolls), povitica (nut-filled pastry), strudel (apple and other Slavic delights), fritule (doughnuts) and more,” said the Calumet Theatre’s event page.

Food tickets may be purchased the day of the event located at the tents outside the Calumet Theatre.

“Enjoy lively performances by the Tamburitzans, America’s longest-running multicultural dance group, and Chicago’s Pajdaši Tamburaši, alongside kolo dance lessons, bocce ball fun, and vibrant music. Explore arts, crafts, and Croatian souvenirs (T-shirts, ball caps, and more), get travel tips and visit Robert Jerin’s Croatia tour table, learn about Croatian Genealogy, Tambura Music in American, and other South Slav-Copper Country Notables,” said the Calumet Theatre. “Kids can paint wooden ornaments at the children’s entertainment area, with fun activities all day. Admission is free for the whole community.”

Antonio Anderson can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 550. His email address is aanderson@miningjournal.net.