Safeco Insurance Festal: CroatiaFest Held At Center House 10/4

Acclaimed folk dance ensembles, musicians and visiting artists, children and visitors celebrate Croatia and highlight the history and regional contributions of Croatian Americans at Safeco Insurance Festál: CroatiaFest, Oct. 4, 12 noon - 8 p.m., at Center House.

The festival theme this year, "Croatian Women: Tradition Bearers," explores their extraordinary cultural place with lectures and exhibits. An exhibit in the Harrison Street Gallery, Oct. 1 - 12, features the works of noted Croatian women artists and watercolors from the Blanche Payne Costume Photograph and Drawing Collection.

Oct. 4, Center House Stage Entertainment includes Dave and the Dalmatians, Dunava Women's Choir, Jele Women's Choir, Klapa Doowopella, Radost Folk Ensemble, Ruze Dalmatinke Orchestra, Seattle Junior Tamburitzans, Tamburaski Orkestar Kardinal Stepinac, Vela Luka Croatian Dance Ensemble, a Fashion Show - "Rites of Passage" and more. Special musical guests Grupa ZRINSKI of Los Angeles join local favorites in a dance party Oct. 3, 7 - 10 p.m. and Oct. 4, 6 - 8 p.m. Performance and activity times and more are found at www.croatiafest.org.

Festival-goers may purchase lavender oil and essentials from the island of Hvar, coffee and spices, unique Croatian designs, imported Dalmatian food products, lace, antiques, books, jewelry and more at the Croatian marketplace. Food Court restaurants will serve Croatian specialties. Tourist and genealogy information will help visitors discover Croatia's rich past and exciting possibilities.

Did you know? The Speaker of the Washington State Legislative House is Frank Chopp, representing the State's 43rd district since 1995. Chopp is Croatian on both sides of his family. His father was born to Croatian immigrants in Roslyn and Chopp was raised in Bremerton. His social conscience appeared early in life when he led a high school protest against the local Elks Club's refusal to allow black members. He was also active in social causes at the University of Washington, where he graduated in 1975. Chopp was the longtime Director of the Fremont Public Association, and he has been Speaker of the State House since 2001.

Join us at Safeco Insurance Festal and become a culture carrier (someone who contributes to cultural understanding through the sharing of stories, songs, music, food and family traditions). This festival is produced by Seattle Center in partnership with the CroatiaFest Committee. For more information on Safeco Insurance Festal and other Seattle Center programming, click on www.seattlecenter.com.

About Safeco Insurance Festál

Safeco Insurance Festal, presented by Seattle Center in partnership with community organizations, is a year-long series of FREE events that honors the cultural richness and diversity of the Pacific Northwest. Safeco Insurance Festál plays a vital part in Seattle Center efforts to connect our dynamic and varied communities.

This collection of 22 events is presented with the generous support of Safeco Insurance, Wells Fargo, Verizon Wireless and KUOW 94.9 Public Radio. Additional support is provided by The Paul G. Allen Family Foundation, The Boeing Company, Seattle Center Foundation and the City of Seattle.