Here's One Festival You Don't Want To Miss!

St. Mary Romanian Festival, in its 13th yearriday, is one ethnic festival close to home that you don't want to miss. Mark your calendar for August 17-19. And here are the top five reasons for you to join in the fun:

THE FOOD: Our authentic home-cooked selections are all made fresh, on the spot. Romanian cuisine blends the tradition of its Balkan and other European neighbors, while maintaining its own special character. Romanian delicacies include stuffed cabbage, grilled mititei (not a burger, not a sausage, they're, well, they're mighty good), polenta baked with sour cream and cheese, tasty homemade sausage and sauerkraut, chicken paprikash, and other delights. This year's volunteers will be preparing about 3,000 stuffed cabbage (sarmale), entailing a 3-day process with more than 600 pounds of meat.

THE PASTRIES: We're willing to bet you will never find a richer, more varied selection, all freshly baked by St. Mary's ladies, and we can't forget to mention our now-famous elephant ears, plus crepes made on the spot. And the selection varies each day.

THE MUSIC: Romanian folk music is perfect for listening, dancing, singing. Soulful, romantic, energetic, exhilarating. A live orchestra will entertain all weekend, along with singers and high-stepping dancers.

OUR CULTURAL HERITAGE: In addition to scheduled tours of the cathedral and the ethnic/art museum, you will observe much art and sculpture throughout the cultural and social halls, as well as outside. There will be beautiful Romanian blouses and other hand-made items for sale, also.

AND, AGAIN, THE FOOD: Served at the buffet indoors and outside by the grill, the many food selections may be accompanied by Romanian and other European beers and wines.

We look forward to seeing you August 17-19 at St. Mary Romanian Orthodox Cathedral, 3256 Warren Rd. Hours are Friday, 4:30-11 pm, Saturday, 1-11 pm, and Sunday, noon-10 pm. For further information call the office 216-941-5550 or visit the website www.smroc.org