The show must go on: Setup underway for Simply Slavic festival

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) — Up until a few weeks ago, Simply Slavic was set to be on the streets in downtown Youngstown. When the explosion happened at the Realty Building , organizers were on standby — they knew they would probably have to relocate, but they never considered canceling.

Now, they’re hoping this cultural celebration will lift people’s spirits in the city.

Organizers were waiting to hear from the city about where they could host the 13th annual celebration of Slavic heritage. Then, just last week, JAC reached out to them and offered them the Youngstown Foundation Amphitheater. Organizers scrambled to get everything ready for the new location, and they said not one vendor backed out.

“All the food and beverages and everything that you had before, you’re going to have now,” said organizer Aundrea Heschmeyer.

On Wednesday, tents started to get set up, and some vendors pulled in for the weekend.

One of the new additions to the festival this year is giant inflatable nesting dolls, customized with the Simply Slavic logo.

“These are called matryoshka,” Heschmeyer said. “A matryoshka is a classic Eastern European nesting doll.”

With the relocation, performers will have an even bigger stage. Organizers say the largest dance groups performing at the festival came down to practice earlier this week since it’s such a different layout for them.

“Talk about a real stage and real sound and no matter who’s performing everyone’s going to be watching,” Heschmeyer said.

Simply Slavic kicks off this weekend. It’ll be open from 5-11 p.m. Friday and from noon until midnight on Saturday.

Organizers wanted to note that even though the festival is at the amphitheater now, you won’t see any amphitheater concessions — it’s still all the traditional food.

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