Ken Kraft, For the Gazette Attendees at Saturday's CroFest in downtown Calumet, enjoy Balkan foods, listen to music, and perform traditional dances.

CALUMET – Rain and wind Saturday didn’t dampen the spirits of those who attended the first ever Calumet CroFest, a celebration of Croatian and Slovenian culture. Festivities kicked off at 10 a.m. when the Duquesne University Tamburitzans’ bus pulled into the alley behind the Calumet Theater to a festive welcome. The Copper Country Clown Band provided a brass fanfare while onlookers waved Croatian and Slovenian flags.

As the Tamburitzans disembarked from the bus, they were smiling, waving, and sometimes filming the welcome. As the Clown Band played “You Are My Sunshine,” nearly everyone sang along in the hopes that the sunshine would not be taken away.

Unfortunately, the sunshine was not to have a prominent role in proceedings and rain poured down on Calumet. However, the festivities kicked off after 11am and the crowds still gathered.

Once the CroFest site was set up on 6th Street, in between the Calumet Theater and Shute’s, there were many things to see and do. Folks purchased food tickets at the Calumet Theare and with tickets in hand, one could get an authentic Balkan feast with ćevapčići as the star of the plate. Drinks were available at the amusingly named Cro Bar. Those looking to appease a sweet tooth could visit Jule’s Place which was serving up povitica and other sumptuous goodies.

A tent for the Southern Slavic Heritage House had CroFest apparel as well as other items with Slovenian cultural ties. The “Big Annie” Statue Project also had a table set up where people could purchase t-shirts, donate to the cause, and learn more about their project. Anna Klobuchar Clemenc, also known as “Big Annie,” was born to Slovenian immigrant parents making her at natural inclusion at CroFest.

A space for kids was available where they could paint wooden ornaments, or have their faces painted. Just in front of the entertainment area was the dance floor, often occupied by a dance group performing traditional dances. Members of the Tamburitzan band provided the music, switching with ease between traditional folk music and popular hits like Jimmy Buffet’s “Margaritaville.”

“I love that the Keweenaw has such an appreciation for the cultures that have helped shape this area,” said one local participant. “I’ve heard several people talking about where they’re from, so this has drawn people from outside our community as well as friends and neighbors. Hopefully CroFest will continue on and provide even more information about the Croatian and Slovenian customs that we can still see in the area, and those that might’ve been forgotten.”

Plans were in place for continuing this inaugural celebration with singing and dancing the night away at Shute’s with the Pajdaši Tamburaši tambura band followed by Tambura Jam Time. Capping off the CroFest celebrations, the Tamburitzans were expected to take to the stage of the Calumet Theater for the 89th time on Sunday.

A proclamation in recognition and appreciation of CroFest, signed by Representative Greg Markkanen (R-Hancock) and Senator Ed McBroom (R- Waucedah Township), was prominently displayed by the stage outside the theater. On it, they wrote, “The Croats and Slovenes of Calumet have woven an indelible tapestry of dedication, resilience, and community spirit into the historical fabric of this region. Their contributions continue to be celebrated and honored.”

Judging by both the turnout and the atmosphere, the first foray into the Calumet CroFest was a success. According to a Village of Calumet Facebook post, they “can’t wait to do it even bigger and better next year!”