Parma’s Hungarian Festival celebrates 70th anniversary

Community NewsParma’s Hungarian Festival takes place Sept. 3 at German Central. (Courtesy of Hungarian Festival)Courtesy of Hungarian FestivalBy John Benson, special to cleveland.comPARMA, Ohio -- It’s been reported the largest Hungarian congregation anywhere outside of Hungary is in Northeast Ohio. Perhaps that explains why the annual Hungarian Festival, which takes place from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sept. 6 at German Central in Parma, normally attracts 3,000 attendees.“People come for the delicious food, the uplifting live music, the vibrant dance performances in authentic Hungarian costumes and the camaraderie of celebrating together a 1,000-year-old Hungarian culture,” Hungarian Festival Media Coordinator Mike Horvath said. “A good time is had by all no matter what nationality you are.”Parma’s Hungarian Festival takes place Sept. 3 at German Central. (Courtesy of Hungarian Festival)Courtesy of Hungarian FestivalThe one-day affair begins at 10:30 a.m. with a flag-raising ceremony followed by catholic and protestant church services in Hungarian.Open at noon, the kitchen will be serving popular Hungarian delicacies such as chicken paprikas with dumplings, stuffed cabbage rolls, grilled pork steak, Hungarian sausages, “lángos” (fried dough), chimney cakes and jam-filled crepes. The Café Budapest features scrumptious tortes, pastries, strudel, and espresso coffee. All foods are available for take-out.Parma’s Hungarian Festival takes place Sept. 3 at German Central. (Courtesy of Hungarian Festival)Courtesy of Hungarian FestivalIn addition to ethnic food, there is live musical entertainment, folk dancers, folk dance lessons and kids’ activities.“After the Hungarian Scout Folk Ensemble performances, members of the group will teach basic Hungarian dance steps to the crowd,” he said. “There’s nothing like large circles of dancers, young and old, of all kinds of backgrounds on the park grounds -- all hand in hand with big smiles on their faces enjoying life’s simple pleasures together as one community.” German Central is located at 7863 York Road in Parma. (John Benson/cleveland.com)John Benson/cleveland.comAdmission is $12 (free for children 10 and under). Parking is also free with handicapped spaces near the entrance gate and accessibility throughout the park. No coolers and no pets allowed. Read more news from the Parma Sun Post here.