The 29th annual Slovak Ball was held on Saturday, February 11, 2023 at The Royal Manor in Garfield, New Jersey, thanks to the Slovak-American Cultural Center (S-ACC)! This year, a unique tribute to contemporary folk music was held in honor of Slovakia’s 30th anniversary of independence. The 480 guests were mesmerized by both contemporary and traditional performances of Slovak and Rusyn folk music by the charismatic Slovak singer, choreographer, and “folklorista” Štefan Štec. 
Stefan released his debut album, “Poletiv by’m na kraj svita,” in 2018, and was awarded a double platinum record for it. We felt privileged to host this distinctive and captivating young performer! Famed Slovak drummer and and percussionist Martin Valihora complimented the outstanding Express Band, led by Marek Soltis! Slovak Ball attendees traveled from near and far – Alaska, Ohio, Iowa, Illinois, Florida, Massachusetts and of course – NJ, NY, PA, and CT! A dozen or more guests joined all the way from Slovakia!
During cocktail hour guests were serenaded by the soulful performance of Ester Wiesnerová who recently released her debut album, Blue Journal. The evening was filled with a very sweet and special sense of beauty, celebration, friendship, and return to our roots invoking the Return to Folklore theme of the evening!
Upon entering The Grand Ball attendees felt like they were transported to the homeland – Slovakia as it was decorated with ornate traditional Slovak headpieces called “party” and men’s hats from Zemplin and Tatry region representing Gorals.The Slovak Ball kicked off at 7pm with a cocktail hour featuring a Slovak classic “Slivovica” which announced the evening’s folklore and was served from an ice sculpture which looked like the Slovak flag. Slovak chefs working in the kitchen at the Royal Manor provided a variety of Slovak specialties, including open-faced sandwiches made in the Slovak style (“obložené chlebíčky”), “bryndzové halušky” (the Slovak national dish) topped with bacon and served in smart cocktail glasses, and mini breaded cutlets (“vyprážané rezne”).
Dignitaries in attendance included H.E. Ambassador of the Slovak Republic to the U.S. Radovan Javorcik; Permanent Representative of the Slovak Republic to the United Nations Michal Mlynár, his wife Dr. Andrea Mlynárova and daughter Michaela (Branch 746); Assistant Secretary-General for Europe, Central Asia and Americas in the United Nations Department of Political Affairs, Miroslav Jenča; Vice-Consul of the Czech Republic in Chicago, Dr. Monika Bokšová; and Viktor Dvořák– Minister Counsellor at the EU Delegation to the United Nations and his lovely wife Katarina. It was a delight to have many Slovak organizations represented at The Slovak Ball which including: Kevin Collins, Executive Secretary at First Catholic Slovak Union and many Region 1 members; Paul Smithers and wife Lesley representing First Catholic Slovak Ladies Association; Rick Martin, Development Coordinator of the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library; Miroslav Konvalina, Director of the Czech Center in NY; Broadway star and recording artist, Luba Mason (Branch 746); Dr. Zuzana Palovic of Global Slovakia; Dr. Martina Hrvolova, Vice Chairman of Friends of Slovakia; Board of Directors of Czech and Slovak Association of Boston; and Slovak Professionals in NY!
The Slovak Ball was opened by a greeting by President of the Slovak-American Cultural Center, Sabina Sabados (FCSU Region 1 Director, Branch 746) with a reflection on the first Slovak Ball which was held in 1993 and title “The Independence Ball” celebrating the formation of Slovakia. The Slovak-American Cultural Center which hosts annually The Slovak was founded in 1967 – and for almost 60 years we have been working toward fulfilling our mission – promoting and recognizing achievements of Slovaks in the United States through cultural, scientific, sports and philanthropic events. After the welcomes by Ambassador Javorcik and Ambassador Mlynar, Father Stefan Chanas of St. John Nepomucene Slovak Church in NYC offered the benediction. In attendance were also Fr. Peter Bujdos (Branch 746), and Fr. Martin Vavrak and wife Anka from Perth Amboy. Parishioners from Slovak parishes in Linden, Clifton and Trenton were also in attendance.
After midnight, the famous Slovak Ball Raffle began with drawings for unique prizes donated by generous sponsors and donors. The proceeds of the raffle go to support the mission of S-ACC and the Scholarship Fund which gives scholarships to students eager to learn the Slovak language through the University of Pittsburgh’s Slovak Language Studies program. There were 30 prizes as part of the raffle such as: a 750 euro gift certificate toward a handmade Slovak traditional kroj courtesy of Výroba Krojov (www.vyrobakrojov.sk); a 600 euro gift certificate toward homemade Slovak folklore products courtesy of Cipisek – Jozef Karahuta; a private tour of the White House; house seats to Moulin Rouge: The Musicial; tickets to the Metropolitan Opera, weekend trip to the Hamptons with a fishing excursion; Slovak products such as Nestville Slovak whiskey and Goral Vodka from Wesmont Liquors G4 located in Wood Ridge, NJ; basket of goodies from Jednota and so much more!
The evening concluded with a midnight buffet featuring roast pig, potato pancakes and all the fixings. Dancing continued until 2am! A big thanks to the entire S-ACC Board for all the time and efforts dedicated to making the event a success. Thank you to First Catholic Slovak Union, our corporate sponsors, for helping to make The Slovak Ball a huge success! A special thank you to all of the Jednota members from Region 1 who always come to support The Slovak Ball from Branches: 45 (New York City), 716 (New York City, and 746 (Linden, NJ).
Photos featured with this article are of Jednota members. For more photos, videos, and the full concert, visit: SlovakAmericanCC.org. What a night!
- Article written by: Sabina Sabados, S-ACC President, Branch 746
- Photo credits: Jozef Pavlik
