Welcome to the Polacek Family Johnstown Slavic Festival!Come celebrate the rich heritage of the Slavic countries at the annual Polacek Family Johnstown Slavic Festival! The festival is planned by a volunteer committee in cooperation with Heritage Johnstown, and is held at one of Heritage Johnstown’s museums, the Frank & Sylvia Pasquerilla Heritage Discovery Center. Museum admission will be free during the event, too!
Please note: no dogs (except service animals in harness) are allowed, and you must bring your ID to be served alcoholic beverages regardless of your age/appearance. Handicapped parking will be available in the adjacent lot, and a passenger golf cart will be circulating in the parking areas close to the festival.
Here’s how to find the Heritage Discovery Center
We plan a festival full of:
From 1880 until 1920, thousands of Slavic immigrants came to Johnstown, Pennsylvania to find employment in the area’s mills and mines. By 1920, 25 percent of Johnstown’s residents were of Slavic descent. They created a rich network of churches and social clubs to support their way of life and culture.
Johnstown went through tough economic times in the 1970s and 80s, and many people were forced to leave the community. Johnstown’s ethnic organizations suffered. Today, many young people want to know about their ethnic heritage, and the culture and history of their Slavic ancestors.
Crafts, dancing, vendors and more are part of the festival!
