110th Lithuanian Days continues to draw attendees to grove
Aug. 13—BARNESVILLE — Charlotte Cambra, 6, was coloring a part of the National Coat of Arms of Lithuania red as her brother, John IV, 8, sat nearby.
The children were among about 2,000 visitors who attended the 110th Lithuanian Days celebration Sunday at Catalpa Grove at Lakewood Park. The event also took place Saturday.
"If you don't come, it would be a sin," their mother, Lisa Cambra, 39, of Barnesville, said as John, her husband who is of Lithuanian descent, was elsewhere with their daughter, Juliette, 2.
The family has come to the Lithuanian heritage celebration, hosted by the Knights of Lithuania Council 144, for at least three years.
"We're growing a presence. More and more people are learning about it," said Paul Domalakes, Council 144 treasurer.
A couple from Nebraska even attended the event.
"God wants us to continue this," he said.
Attendees enjoyed an array of events, from dancers to vendors and music, and Lithuanian fare that included traditional foods of bandukes and kielbasa.
A popular presentation featured Charles Sammons, of Sellersville, Bucks County, a member of a historical fencing club. Another included a group of reenactors called the Banner of Jasna Gora, with the mission of educating the public about winged hussars. The hussars were part of the military structure of Lithuania, Lechia and Polonia in the early 1500s.
Children had the opportunity to learn how to use a rapier, a type of sword. At first, they practiced with what looked like Nerf swords. Sammons would issue commands such as "attack" and "retreat" to see if they would follow directions. Later, he would give them swords with tape on the blades for safety.
Chase Verbitsky, 6, of Emmaus, Lehigh County, said participating was "exciting."
Tom Skirbunt, 75, and his wife, Judy Skirbunt, 82, of Reston, Virginia, were there for the first time to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary. They were married May 26, 1973.
Tom's first cousin, Pete Skirmantas, of Shenandoah, paid for part of their stay in the county. Tom has family members who are of Lithuanian heritage. Judy said they bought dark rye bread to take home and homemade Lithuanian greeting cards.
Contact the writer: amarchiano@republicanherald.com; 570-628-6023
