Helen Spencer, Miss SNPJ 2010 KARA MARUSZAK (53) and AL STRUKEL (723) enjoyed the California Federation Vinska Trgatev festivities at the Fontana Slovene Hall.

Miss SNPJ 2010 KARA MARUSZAK had an opportunity to visit with her West Coast friends during the California Federation Vinska Trgatev.

FONTANA, Calif. — Another delightful day was enjoyed at the Slovene Hall in Fontana, Calif., Nov. 15. It was the occasion of the 10th annual Vinska Trgatev celebration.

Most guests arrived in time to take part in the traditional pageant led by Fred and Joe Mlakar. Each year this part of the program takes on a unique personality, depending on the personalities of the actors that either volunteer or are chosen by Fred to be the judge, policemen, night watchman, harvesters, village people, and the mayor (Zupan) and mayor’s wife (Zupanja). It’s great fun to process into the hall, led by Joe Mlakar on his button box, with the dignitaries and villagers singing just as they did 100 or more years ago. This year it was my pleasure, along with Arnie’s, to serve as the leaders of the village. We dressed in our special narodna noša costumes.

The mayor’s first job was to punish the night watchman who had fallen asleep on the job because he had a bit too much wine. The judge promptly sentenced him to time in the jail, and there was some serious scolding done. John Eric Wood was the errant watchman and Phyllis Wood was the judge. I think, perhaps, she had some experience along these lines at sometime or another. Paul Jensen and Norbert Bernhardt served as policemen.

The guests were served wine and juice, salami, cheese, crackers and dried fruit. Everyone toasted to celebrate the bountiful harvest and the hard work that was done to make it all possible. Arnie and I danced the first dance after making little speeches of thanks, then everyone was invited to dance.

The first thief to steal treats from the arbor was quickly apprehended as a lesson to all others who followed. The mayor gave distinct warnings about stealing the center piece of the arbor, the coveted Krona. It was a valuable decorated basket of special treats that would cost someone a huge fine if stolen. Of course, someone is always tempted to try. It was a $20 fine, and the thief almost got away!

By this time dancing to the great Slovenian music of the Mlakar Bros. Orchestra had been going on for quite a while. We even had some special entertainment during the evening. It was great having Miss SNPJ 2010 Kara Maruszak and her mother, Carol, with us for the weekend. As most of you know, Kara is a talented musician in her own right. She played several numbers on the button box which were enjoyed by all.

We also had special guests Marge Ford and her sister, Patti Gersich, from Alaska, in town for this event. They entertained in their own lively way and told us about a polka cruise they will be hosting in a few months. Folks had the opportunity to learn an old Slovenian folk dance with instructions offered by John, the music man, who has been selling tapes and CDs for many years.

One of the most exciting parts of the evening was the drawing for the harvest baskets and other prizes that were offered with each admission ticket. A few people were so eager to win, they bought a few extras. Lodges 786 and 723 donated beautiful and bountiful baskets as prizes. A third prize was a very special bottle of wine from the Keyways Winery along with a few extras in the gift bag. Two additional bottles of wine were also awarded. Helen Spencer won the first basket and Frances Ambrozich won the second. Emilie Nichols won the gift bag. They all went home very happy!

We are happy to report that this event was a fund-raiser for the SNPJ Scholarship Fund. We were able to send a very nice check to the Scholarship Committee. We thank Kara Maruszak and Natalie Mlakar for their help in encouraging donations, and the Federation itself for designating a percentage of the profits for this worthwhile cause.

Special thanks go to Helen Spencer and Al Strukel, and John Eric Wood for their work in setting up the arbor and the jail. Thanks also to my helpers, Rosemary Mlakar, Pauline Buzan and Elvie Blasick, for filling plates with treats and decorating the tables. Eric Wood did most of the cooking with some helpers in the kitchen. The food was delicious!

And so another successful Vinska Trgatev celebration has come to an end. I can’t remember more happy faces saying that they had a wonderful time, and that’s what it’s all about! Thanks to all for coming and for your generosity.