CALUMET — Calumet is all about culture and good eats! Did you know that outside of Finnish, Cornish and Italian heritage… Slavic culture is just as predominant.

CroFest is a new celebration of Croatian and Slovenian culture will be the weekend before Pasty Fest in Calumet, giving this region two back-to-back food festivals worth making the trip to Calumet.

It’s zany, fun and tracks back to Calumet’s cultural roots. CroFest is short for a new Croatian & Slovenian Culture Festival taking place Aug. 9-10. This is a free, family-friendly event weekend celebrating Calumet’s Slavic heritage. It’s all part of the Village of Calumet celebrating its 150th Anniversary (sesquicentennial). The Calumet Theatre is also turning 125 years old this summer – so there’s a lot to celebrate! Food vendors will be available selling incredible dishes.

You’ll find yourself enjoying authentic Balkan food like ćevapčići (grilled minced beef, lamb & Pork kebabs with toasted flatbread, onions, ajvar), prepared by Joe King and Chicago’s own cevapcici Chef, Phil Vucinic. Experience sarma (stuffed cabbage rolls) made the “old way,” prepared by Copper Country notable, Gary Uren.

The festival will present Slavic music, together with “Kolo” dance instruction from renowned choreographer “Steve Taran”, from the Detroit area’s “Nova Nada”. Come early and greet The Tamburitzans, as they arrive for their 89th show, and to celebrate the 1st Annual CroFest Calumet! Tamburitzans – America’s longest-running multicultural dance ensemble.. Enjoy Chicago’s Pajdaši Tamburaši, as they play traditional Croatian/Tambura music with pop up appearances during festival, and scheduled to perform at Shute’s 1890 Saloon, at 8:30pm.

Learn how to Kolo Dance, play a round of bocce ball, and bring the kid’s to our “Kid’s Korner”, for art time…. enjoy an atmosphere full of energy, laughter, rich culture, and mouthwatering aromas.

The connection runs deeper – Calumet’s history is intertwined with culture. One of the most inspiring figures to emerge from its mining-era legacy is Anna “Big Annie” Klobuchar Clemenc, a towering (6 foot 2 inches) Slovenian American labor activist who helped lead the 1913 Copper Strike. Known for carrying a massive American flag during marches and standing up for miners’ families, Big Annie became a symbol of strength, courage and immigrant resilience. During CroFest weekend, you’ll literally walk in her footsteps – celebrating on the same Fifth Street she once marched down.

CroFest invites you to not only enjoy great food and music, but also connect with the stories and spirit that shaped Calumet. Between the Village’s 150th, the Calumet Theatre’s 125th, and the debut of a new community tradition, there’s never been a better time to experience the past and present of one of Michigan’s most culturally rich towns.