Information on LACMN Annual Events
Event |
Description |
| Independence Day |
Held in mid-February to celebrate the original Lithuanian Independence Day of February 16, 1918, the celebration now also rejoices over the second Lithuanian Independence Day of March 11, 1990. The celebration includes both a meal with authentic Lithuanian food and an evening of entertainment centered on a theme related to Lithuanian history and independence.
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| Festival of Nations |
Held each year sometime around the last week of April/ first week of May at the River Center in St. Paul, Minnesota, this has become one of the largest and longest-running multi-ethnic events in the nation. All total the cultures of 90 nations are displayed. The Festival of Nations' Committee designates a theme for each year's Festival and then the LACMN develops a Lithuanian cultural booth around that theme. Lithuania is well represented at this event by members of the LACMN who volunteer to dress in national costume and staff the Lithuanian cultural booth. To further enhance a Lithuanian presence the LACMN dance group, Vejava, performs several times during the Festival.
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| Summer Fest |
Held during the summer time period this event -- also known as the St John's Day Celebration -- is usually a cookout for young and old alike. Most everyone brings some food typically enjoyed at either a traditional American or a traditional Lithuanian picnic. As a result informal discussions of American and Lithuanian traditions abound. Because the Twin Cities and surrounding area have so many parks, the event is held at a different park each year.
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| Fall Fest |
Held in the September/October time period to celebrate the completion of harvest time. this celebration includes both a meal with authentic Lithuanian food and an evening of entertainment including the Lithuanian dance group,Vejava, a Martyno Mazvydo produced children's show, music and dancing.
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| Kucios |
Held in mid-December to avoid the last minute holiday rush this celebration includes both authentic Lithuanian Kucios (Christmas Eve) foods as well as traditional American foods. During the meal presentations relating to Lithuanian traditions at Christmas Eve are continuously presented. The evening's entertainment has traditionally included both a children's show presented by Martyno Mazvydo students, and the appearance of Senelis Saltis (Santa Claus), as well as Christmas music.
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| Special Events |
Special Events occur at random times throughout the year. They are typically related to some form of Lithuanian-American activity. These events are listed here if they are of interest to the Lithuanian American Community of Minnesota (LACMN) as determined by the LACMN Governing Board.
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LACMN often rents space at the Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 2561 Victoria Street, Roseville, Minnesota. Many LACMN sponsored events will take place at this church. If there is a change where a particular event will be held, a notice is sent informing members. Click on the "Name of the Event" in the Event list above to obtain the latest information on that event.
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