CONVENTION 2023

Thursday, June 15

4:00-5:00 p.m. Early Bird 30-minutes Workshops on Slovenian-related topics.

7:30-10:00 p.m.  Welcome Event in Heroes Pavilion including mingling, a dessert buffet, a cash  bar, a strolling accordionist, door prizes, and a performance by Pueblo’s own Okolitza Tamburitzans .

Friday, June 16

8:30-11:30 a.m. SUA Board and Member Representatives Business meeting. All are welcome!

8:30-11:30 a.m. Camp Heritage for All with activities for children and adults alike. Enjoy a variety of activities celebrating our Slovenian heritage and exploring Pueblo’s Riverwalk which is adjacent to the convention center.

12:30-3:00 p.m. Short tour of Pueblo and a visit to Pueblo’s Steelworks Museum  Optional box lunch. Tickets will be limited for this tour.

4:30-8:30 p.m.  Zarjafest at Preseren Dom in Rye, Colorado. Slovenian dinner on a covered patio at the foot of the Wet Mountains followed by Slovenian dancing to a polka band in the indoor dance hall. The Zarjafest celebration is organized by the editors of Zarja–The Dawn. Tickets will be limited. 

10:00-?? p.m. Walking pub crawl to explore establishments in Pueblo’s historic Union District of Pueblo where the convention center is located.

Saturday, June 17

8:30 a.m.-Noon  SUA Board and Member Representatives Business meeting. All are welcome!

8:30 a.m.-Noon  Camp Heritage for All with activities for children and adults alike. (See Friday)

8:30 a.m.-Noon  Chance for young adult SUA members to network and possibly a hike at Pueblo Reservoir or to the Arkansas River Trail and back.

2:00-2:45 p.m. Dr. James Walsh, University of Colorado Denver

Dr. Walsh specializes in Labor, Working Class, and Immigration   History/Politics and will speak about Slovenian immigration to Colorado. 

3:00-5:00 p.m. Short Workshops – Explore your Slovenian heritage firsthand with presenters who will share knowledge of a variety of topics (e.g. beekeeping in Slovenia, how to make spruce-tipped spirits, Slovenian cuisine, etc.).

Noon-5:00 p.m.  Set-up for Slovenian Heritage Room Displays (family heritage displays honoring Slovenian families and/or Slovenian businesses. Participation also by Slovenian artists and vendors.

6:00-10:30 p.m. Convention Banquet including a mixer, buffet dinner, and dancing to a polka band. Explore the Slovenian Heritage Room honoring Slovenian families and businesses. Browse the vendor area set up by Slovenian vendors/businesses.

Sunday, June 18

Beyond the Convention activities including a planned casino bus to Cripple Creek where you can explore gold mines, shops, and the area’s rich history, view the local herd of donkeys roaming the town, and/or gamble in one of the casinos. Conventioneers will also have available self-guided driving tours of Pueblo and/or Colorado Slovenian sites and a self-guided driving tour to Leadville and/or Crested Butte where many Slovenian immigrants settled. You can plan your own one-day tour or spend a few days in these authentic Colorado mountain towns.