Lithuanian Days goes on — virtually
KAYLEE LINDENMUTH / SHENANDOAH SENTINEL - Paul Domalakes, right, provides an introduction to the annual Lithuanian Days event, held virtually from Karen Domalakes' home in Frackville on August 15, 2020.
FRACKVILLE – The longtime Lithuanian Days celebration continued this year, albeit virtually.
The annual event, sponsored by the Knights of Lithuania and beginning in 1914 in Ryan Township, was set to return to its roots this year, returning to the site of the former Lakewood Amusement Park, now Catalpa Grove, in Barnesville.
The COVID-19 pandemic, however, prevented that return, or rather, postponed it until next year.
This year, the event was held virtually, with a small, private picnic-style celebration at the home of Karen Domalakes in Frackville Saturday afternoon, with an accompanying live program broadcast to the world via Facebook Live. About 30 people in total attended the picnic.
Paul Domalakes, master of ceremonies, began, following a prayer and the national anthems of the United States and Lithuania, by providing a brief explanation of the history of the event, noting that the festival began like it was held yesterday — as a picnic.
“Since 1914, Lithuanian-Americans have gathered here in the summer in Schuylkill County to remind us of our heritage and rekindle the spirit of our tenacious ancestors,” Domalakes said. “In that same tenacious spirit, today we are keeping that tradition in the face of the COVID virus restrictions that have hampered but not prevented us continuing the 107 years of consecutive celebration of all things Lithuania.”
“Now, today marks the 107th consecutive time that Lithuanians and their friends have gathered to celebrate in a special way our Lithuanian culture, our language, our heritage, and a history both in Lithuania and here in America,” Domalakes continued. “Let us remember the proud history of our ancestors and how it continues today, both in Lithuania, America, and around the world, and let us also look ahead to the bright future for both countries, days that are full of promise but also full of challenges no less difficult that both America and Lithuania have overcome in the past.”
“For example, today, on the feast of the assumption, August 15, we mark the nearly 30 years of freedom of the Lithuanian republic from the Russian Soviet enslavement,” Domalakes added. “We remember with pride that Schuylkill County Lithuanians were presented with a plaque by the Pennsylvania Historical Museum Commission to recognize the special contribution and impact of Lithuanian Americans in Schuylkill County and officially declare Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania as ‘Little Lithuania.'”
The live program included live music performed on the accordian by CJ Ferrara, as well as a skit performed by Karen Domalakes and a small ensemble. The skit, performed each year at Lithuanian Days, recalls the folk tale “Jurate and Kastytis,” though this year, it took a satirical tone, poking fun at COVID-19 restrictions.
A traditional dance and sing-along, led by Paul Domalakes, followed the skit.
The event concluded following a craft demonstration by Karen Domalakes.
Next year, the event is slated to be held the weekend of August 14 at Catalpa Grove in Barnesville.
The full broadcast of Lithuanian Days 2020 can be seen here: https://www.facebook.com/watch/live/?v=312209599893728
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