| 
overview
| governance
| executive
| participants
| coverage
Coverage
The Slovenian Canadian Association
Edmonton Alberta
The Edmonton Slovenian Canadian Association was established
in 1964. The first board of directors consisted of Frank Klemen,
president; Joseph Orel, vice president; Slavko Gantar, treasurer;
Anton Tomc, secretary; and Anton Boz, Alojz Cej, and Ivan Hozian.
Meetings and special events were held in private homes and rented
halls for the first three years. In 1967 property for a social
centre was purchased at 66th Street and 161 st Avenue. The facility
now accommodates 350 people with picnic and sports facilities
on the grounds.
The association maintains a busy schedule. Harvest Festival
is celebrated annually in traditional Slovenian fashion. The
Cultural Festival includes exhibitions of Slovenian arts and
crafts, old time crocheting and spinning, and traditional baking.
Among the groups that contribute their talents to Edmonton's
yearly Heritage Days celebration are the male vocal ensemble
Triglavski fantje and a mixed adult choir. The colourful folk
dance companies and instrumental ensembles are warmly received
during the festivities. Other activities include children's
Christmas concerts and Mother's Day programs. Language courses
for children and adults and theatre productions have also been
organized.
Edmonton Slovenians do not have their own church. However, the
Vincentian missionaries from Toronto visit the local Slovenes
during their periodic trips through western Canada. The celebrations
of Mass in Slovenian with carol singing at Christmas and Easter,
which are held in local Catholic churches, are always treasured
events.
|
