Slovenians to kick up their heels

Vince Rigler named honorary mayor of Grape Harvest Fest

By DENISE M. BARAN-UNLAND For The Herald News

Jonita Ruth said she was born into the heritage of "Vinska Trgatev" or Slovenian Grape Harvest Dance Festivals.

"I never had to do much except have fun because I had two older sisters who did everything," said Ruth, of Joliet. "I was too busy dancing the polka."

Today as festival coordinator -- a title she has held for many years -- Ruth is committed to bringing that same fun to past attendees and newcomers alike.

"It helps to get the Slovenian people together for a fun afternoon," Ruth said, though the event is not limited to any ethnic group.

On Sept. 27, Branch 20 of the Slovenian Women's Union of America will hold its 29th Slovenian Grape Dance Festival at St. Joseph Park Hall, corner of Theodore Street and Raynor Avenue in Joliet. Ruth expects about 300 people to attend.

"The hall will be decorated like a nightclub," Ruth said. "To keep the heritage and spirit alive, there will also be Slovenian scenery and all the tables will be decorated with red carnations, the Slovenian flower. It's really pretty. At five o'clock we'll have a parade of many of our past mayors."

The festival mayor

This year's honorary mayor will be Vince Rigler of Lemont, who has spent a lifetime preserving Slovenian heritage through music.

As a teen, he folk danced with SARC (Slovenian American Radio Club Folk Dancers in Chicago), and while a business administration student at Loyola University, Rigler learned to play his button box accordion.

For the last 20 years, Rigler has performed for private parties and the picnics of Slovenian organizations with his band, Ensemble Heritage. He has also played all over the United States as a guest member of other bands.

The Slovenian Grape Harvest Dance Festival is reminiscent of the traditional celebrations in Slovenia that revolve around the annual gathering and harvesting of grapes. Slovenia is known for its wine-producing vineyards.

In Slovenia, men in native costumes would cut and crush the first grapes of the season in wooden wine presses to prepare the grapes for wine. This would be done as rollicking polka music played throughout the village.

In the past, the Joliet festival would include a "grape arbor" over the dance floor to suspend candy in bunches resembling grapes. "Candy was less messy than grapes," Ruth said.

During the evening, festival patrons would try to "steal" the grapes. Watchful "sheriffs" would try to catch them. A "judge" would insist the offender pay a "fine" or go to "jail."

This year, Ruth said she is content sitting and watching people dance and be happy. However, she has not ruled out dancing one polka. "If I can find someone who will dance with me," she said.