YOUNGSTOWN — Simply Slavic, Ohio’s premier celebration of Slavic culture and heritage, has completed its first project funded through the Simply Slavic Cultural Preservation Fund, a component fund of the Community Foundation of the Mahoning Valley.

The project is the restoration and replacement of the entrance signage at the historic Strossmayer Croatian Picnic Grounds in Vienna. The project involved the fabrication and installation of a new entrance for the center, replacing aging signage that had deteriorated after years of exposure to the elements.

The improvements were completed in advance of the weekend’s Croatian Festival at the picnic grounds.

Strossmayer’s, as it is known, has served as an important gathering point for generations of Croatian Americans in the Mahoning Valley. As an outgrowth of the Strossmayer Singing Society formed in 1911, this site continues to host diverse cultural festivals, folk music performances, traditional dance presentations and family celebrations.

“One of Simply Slavic’s core missions is preserving and celebrating the cultural heritage that helped shape our region,” said John Slanina, president of Simply Slavic. “When we established the Cultural Preservation Fund, we envisioned supporting projects that help sustain the institutions, traditions, and community spaces that keep our heritage alive. We are honored that the Fund’s first project contributes to preserving a landmark that has served the Croatian community for generations.”

The Picnic Grounds remain one of the region’s most enduring ethnic landmarks. Named for Bishop Josip Juraj Strossmayer — a noted Croatian religious leader, philanthropist and advocate for Slavic cultural advancement — the grounds have welcomed the community to celebrate their heritage through food, music, fellowship and service.

“Historic cultural institutions such as Strossmayer’s are vital to preserving the stories and traditions of the immigrant communities that built our region,” Slanina added. “This project demonstrates how organizations can work together to ensure those traditions remain visible and accessible.”

“We are very thankful for the partnership with Simply Slavic,” said Marina Juratovic Saunders, board secretary of Strossmayer’s and organizer of the Croatian Festival. “We share the goal of ensuring future generations can gather in this space, hear the music, share the food, and understand the stories that shaped our community. To be the first recipient from the Simply Slavic Cultural Preservation Fund is an honor.”