Slovenian Cultural Garden 30th Anniversary Event Slovenian Cultural Garden East Blvd. just south of St. Clair September 21, 2025
The Slovenian Cultural Garden, one of over 40 ethnic heritage gardens in the Cleveland Cultural Gardens chain, celebrated its 30th anniversary on September 21, 2025.
It was dedicated as the Jugoslav (Yugoslav) Cultural Garden on December 4, 1932 and after the breakup of Yugoslavia it became the Slovenian Garden in 1995. Separate gardens were established for former Yugoslav communities Serbian and Croatian.
The afternoon event included food, music, camaraderie and a program. Bob Hopkins, President of the Slovenian Cultural Garden, served as MC of the program.
Bob Hopkins, President of the Slovenian Cultural Garden
The anthems of the US and Slovenia were played (not in the video below) and then Father John Retar, pastor of St. Vitus parish, gave an invocation.
Father John Retar, pastor of St. Vitus parish
Next Consul General of Slovenia Suzana Cešarek gave her remarks.
Consul General of Slovenia Suzana Cešarek
Bob Hopkins then gave some background on what used to be the Yugoslav garden and later became the Slovenian Cultural Garden. Julie Tromba, Vice President of the Slovenian Cultural Garden, then gave some remarks and told people how they could be more involved.
Julie Tromba
Watch the video of the speeches.
Dr. Luka Zibelnik, Professor of Slovenian Language and Studies at Cleveland State University, spoke about the rich Slovenian language. He then told of the monuments in the Slovenian Cultural Garden honoring Bishop Frederik Baraga, Simon Gregorcic, Ivan Cankar and Ivan Zorman. Watch the video.
Dr. Luka Zibelnik
Councilman Mike Polensek spoke of the contributions of Slovenians to Cleveland and Joe Cimperman told how the Garden will be 100 years old in 7 years.
Councilman Mike Polensek
Joe Cimperman
Then Julie Tromba and Bob Hopkins cut the ceremonial cake as a song was sung.
Then there was a group photo. Watch a video of the above events.
Group photo at 30th anniversary event
Here are some more photos from the Slovenian Cultural Garden 30th Anniversary
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