Saint Sava Serbian Orthodox Church and King Peter II Lodge #16 are hosting the 76th annual Serbian National Federation Serbian Basketball Tournament Thursday, June 4 through Sunday, June 7. Close to 90 teams from throughout the East Coast, Midwest and Canada will participate in the four-day event.
Tournament games will be played at Purdue University Calumet, 2300 173rd Street in Hammond, and the Lincoln Center, 2450 Lincoln Street in Highland. On Friday and Saturday, June 5-6, tournament games will begin at 9 a.m. and the last game will begin at 5 p.m. Admission to both venues costs $3 per person.
In addition to the basketball tournament, St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church will be hosting a series of special events. On Thursday, June 4, the public is invited to a free welcoming session from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the St. Sava Pavilion, 9191 Mississippi Street in Merrillville.
There will be receptions at the St. Sava Pavilion from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. on Friday, June 5, and Saturday, June 6. The public is invited to enjoy authentic Serbian food and live entertainment. Cost to attend the receptions is $10 per person each night.
On Sunday, June 7, there will be a picnic beginning at 11 a.m. on the St. Sava Serbian Church grounds. The public is invited to enjoy food and live music during this free event.
Mike Ajder, St. Sava executive board president, said event organizers are estimating 5,000 attendees throughout the four-day event.
“I’d like to recognize Father Marko Matic, our parish priest; Simo Roknich, the Serbian National Federation Lodge #16 president; Dennis Svilar, Lou Stefanovic and Yvonne Orlich, event coordinators; Danica Pejnovic, food coordinator for the event; and all of the volunteers and church organizations that have worked hard to plan and organize this exciting event,” said Ajder. “We look forward to showcasing the hospitality of our church and region during the tournament.”
For more information on the event or St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church, visit www.saintsava.net.
