Traditional Saint Casimir's Fair
For 58 years the Cleveland Lithuanian Scouts have been holding a traditional Saint Casimir's Fair which has its roots in Lithuania, when pilgrims from all around the country would gather in the capital of Vilnius for Saint Casimir's feast day, March 4th. After attending church, artisans and craftsmen would have various handmade goods for sale in the streets. Not only were household goods, such as pottery and woodcrafts, readily available, but a special treat, a decorated heart-shaped honey cookie, became a Casimir's fair tradition.
Today the tradition continues, not only in Lithuania, but also in larger Lithuanian communities, such as ours in Cleveland. The Lithuanian scouts spend many hours making crafts for sale and baking and decorating the traditional honey heart cookies. They also sell another tradition: fresh bagels on a string. A full dinner is available in the lower hall, or, if you just want to satisfy that sweet tooth craving, there is a table of various homemade desserts. All proceeds benefit the Lithuanian Scouts' activities here in Cleveland.
The fair this year takes place on Sunday, March 17th, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM, at Saint Casimir's church hall, 18022 Neff Road, right here in the Collinwood neighborhood. Admission is free, so please stop by and check out the crafts, as well as the delicious food that is availalble.
Virginia Rubinski is the leader of the local Lithuanian Girl Scouts.
Virginia Rubinski
Virginia Rubinski is the leader of the local Lithuanian Girl Scouts.