This year, on September 20 & 21, the 11th annual Ann Arbor Russian Orthodox Festival will take place. These two days will be filled with Slavic culture, cuisine, music, entertainment and more.
“The festival started as a dream and a hope of a parishioner, inspired by the St. Sergius Russian Festival in Cleveland, Ohio, in about 2012,” Bill Edwards, parishioner of St. Vladimir Orthodox Church and Festival Chairman, said. “The first year was chaotic, but Yulia organized and energized the parish and, with the help of others, made it a reality. Initially, I did not want to be involved, but I was persuaded by family and friends to help. I was caught up in all the fun and excitement enjoyed by both visitors and workers and have worked the festival every year since.”
This festival provides many opportunities for guests to expand their knowledge on Russia and the Russian Orthodox Church, including various displays, lectures and souvenirs. People also have the opportunity to learn about their parish school and church through tours of the Ann Arbor Orthodox Classical Academy and the St. Vladimir Orthodox Church, where they can listen to the St. Vladimir Choir. There are also many forms of entertainment with performances by Ivushki Choir, iBallet School, St. Vladimir’s Choir, and Barynya, Russian dance, music and song ensemble.
“My favorite is giving the community a means to learn about Russian culture and the Orthodox Church in a way that is engaging but not preaching,” Edwards said.
The festival includes activities for all age groups, ensuring the entire community can find something they enjoy. For example, there is a bar, dance floor and tearoom, as well as a kids’ corner with a bounce house, petting zoo, playground, cotton candy and games.
“All the feedback we have received via surveys, engaging with people on the grounds, serving meals, and conversing with people while attending parking has been very positive,” shared Edwards. “Festival favorites are the food, entertainment and the informational displays. I have never received a ‘thumbs down. ’”
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The event’s selection of homemade traditional foods is plentiful with Russian sweets at the Russian Tea Room, traditional cabbage and cucumber salads, blini (crepes), shashlik (shishkabobs), pelmeni, borscht and more. Displaying this variety of flavorful and authentic cuisine is no easy feat; however, the months of planning leading up to the festival are what make it such a memorable experience.
“Planning covers logistics, cost, man-power, budget, entertainment…” said Edwards. “It starts slowly in February, ramping up over the summer. The most challenging part is deciding how much food to purchase. It is not an exact science.”
The Ann Arbor Russian Festival will be held at 9900 Jackson Road, Dexter, with both free admission and parking. For more information, or to make a donation to show your support for the Russian Festival, visit russianfestival.stvladimiraami.org.
“Expect a good time, cultural enrichment, not politics,” Edwards said. “Of course, there will be ethnic food, song, and dance, but there is more. Cultural exchange with the workers, many of whom are Russian or Ukrainian, as well as other nationalities.”
Watch the Video from the Ann Arbor Russian Orthodox Festival 2024.
