Czech Cultural Center-Sokol Greater Cleveland Holiday Fair Bohemian National Hall November 9, 2024
The annual Czech Holiday Fair sponsored by Sokol Greater Cleveland was held Saturday, November 9, 2024. It might have been a record setting number of people attending to shop for imported Czech and Slovak items - garnets, costume jewelry, pottery, crystal, ornaments and more. There were arts and crafts along with authentic Czech Food and Beer for sale.
People lined up to purchase traditional Czech holiday foods, homemade bakery, vanocky, strudel and more. Dinners featured pork, dumplings, sauerkraut & chicken paprikas.
Dr. Stan Bohanek with volunteer Fran Burik
There were resource tables and even a performance from the Ceske Loutky (Czech marionettes)
We spoke with board member Georgia Maresh at the fair and asked about the Bohemian Hall and Sokol.
Georgia Maresh and Sokol mannequin
Bohemian National Hall was built in 1896-97 by Czech immigrants in Cleveland and is said to be the first hall in the city owned by a nationality group. On October 22 and 23, 1915, Bohemian National Hall was the site of the signing of the Cleveland Agreement by Czech American and Slovak American representatives which led to the creation of the country of Czechoslovakia.
Georgia explained that Bohemia was one of the historical regions of the Czech Republic. We then asked about Sokol and Georgia said it means falcon in Czech. There are currently 35 Sokol units open in North America. Sokol Greater Cleveland is one of two Sokol organizations in the Cleveland area. This unit is one of the largest within the national organization -- American Sokol Organization, headquartered in Chicago, Illinois. She said that Sokol ascribes to the Greek philosophy of Strong Body, Strong Mind. Historically it has been primarily a gymnastics organization.
Georgia also spoke about the Czech Cultural Center and Museum on the grounds. Watch the video.
Throughout the building there were historical and cultural displays including lots of Kroje (traditional Czech and Slovak folk costumes) such as this.
Czech Kroje at Czech Cultural Center Museum
We caught up with Anthony Culkar who is one of Cleveland's favorite polka band leaders. He's been playing the accordion his whole life and he reminded me that my first video with him was back in 2009. Wow. He was entertaining people at the annual Sokol Holiday Fair. Watch a quick video.
This was all in the setting of the historic Bohemian National Hall and people visited the Museum and other areas of the historic Hall featuring Czech artifacts, posters and more. Enjoy these images from the Czech Holiday Fair at Bohemian National Hall.
Paul Burik modeling the new 25 year gym anniversary t-shirt
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