3.21.21
// TR 2020 Recap is Live!
I
know everyone, especially Dave has been on the edge of their
seats awaiting last year's recap. I happy to note that the
full recap is now live on TR Online!
Photos are plentiful (check out the full collection of photos
on the Serb Fest Facebook Group). We're light on quotes -
I'm not sure if some were lost over the last year, but there
are a couple good memorable quotes documented. Congratulations
to 2020 Rookie of the Year, Griffin Leininger, a well deserving
recipient, despite limited competition, but as we know, we
rarely have more than a couple new attendees each year anyway.
Griffin was at home with the Central Indiana folk and was
a fine addition to the small group we had on hand. We look
forward to 2021 when we expect to award the full suite of
honors, including the biennial Golden Cevapcici Award!
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3.17.21
// A Look Ahead to TR 2021!
Well,
here we are in mid March
Those of us in the Chicago
area have had a taste of Spring, only to get blasted by another
blanket of snow. Instead of dwelling on the current state
of the weather, Id much rather turn our sights toward
Memorial Day Weekend! What a year its been
A year
ago, I was fully confident TR2020 would go on without any
impact from Coronavirus. Clearly, it was a true roller coaster
ride until the 11th hour when we ultimately postponed Serb
Fest, delaying its start two days to align with the reopening
of State Parks in Indiana. A skeleton crew kept our sacred
traditions alive with caution, but while we knew the world
was far from normal, I dont think any of us really considered
an entire year later, wed still in this reality
While things did indeed have to get worse before they got
better, at least we know were in a much better place
today and can confidently say TR 2021 will go on with relative
normalcy. The attendance list will start to materialize over
the coming weeks and months, but I imagine with such a large
portion of our group already vaccinated, well see many
families return after a 2020 hiatus. Perhaps this will be
a case of absence makes the heart grow fonder
.
This May, lets come together and gather round
the grill and enjoy one anothers company like never
before! TR 2021 is sure to be a year for the ages!
And
YES, the TR2020 Recap is coming soon!
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12.20.20
// DSD
Delicatessen Reopens at a New Location after 10 years!

DSD Delicatessen (Closed 2011)
Lawrence Ave, Chicago
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Thanks
to Caroline Boskovic for the tip! Our beloved source for our
amazing Serbian cuisine has reopened after their shocking
closure in 2011! The store was reopened by a new generation
of owners and certainly looks to have an elevated level of
quality! While our friends at Lalich have been exceedingly
wonderful over the past decade, Serb Fest, of course has strong
ties to DSD. Those of you who are new to the group should
know that the cevapcici recipe at DSD is from the grandfather
of our old friend and Founding Member, Jovan Zelenkovich.
The recipe is a cornerstone of DSD's heritage, as stated in
a recent Facebook post,
"This delicacy is one of the main reasons we brought
D.S.D. Deli back to the community. Our recipe is the best
kept secret that dates back to 1967. Stop in & see why
D.S.D. Cevapi are the most popular specialty."
I
am beyond excited to have DSD be part of Serb Fest in 2021!
Follow DSD on Facebook
and Instagram!
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DSD Delicatessen (Opened 2020)
Milwaukee Ave, Chicago
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5.30.20
// We Survived! TR 2020 Different, But Awesome!
Thanks
to everyone who came out for a truly unique Serb Fest this
year. While we obviously missed so many of our regular crew,
the 4 families who were able to attend made the most of it!
We know the rest of you hoisted an honorary High Life or PBR
and you all fired up your own grills this weekend. I'm sure
it was nice to have a quiet holiday weekend at home for a
change, but I'm certain that the entire Serb Fest family is
excited to get back to normal in 2021! Be on the lookout for
a full recap and photos of TR2020 in the coming months (or
let's face it, probably next Spring!) Ziveli, friends!
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5.23.20
// SERB FEST COLLECTION: Best of the Best 2010-2020!!
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It's
2pm on Saturday of Memorial Day weekend. By now, we would
have all normally arrived and festivities would be in full
swing. Instead, I sit at home in front of a computer, sipping
a beer, writing you all. While a few of us plan to make an
abbreviated appearance at TR starting tomorrow, those who
are not able to join will be truly missed. It was nice catching
up with a few of you yesterday in your driveways. To get us
through the remainder of the weekend, I leave you with one
final gift.
Its
no secret that song is a big part of what makes up the Spirit
and atmosphere of Serb Fest. It all started with the unique
and eclectic soundtrack of 2003's Fire & Ice documentary.
From there, we've seen a steady stream of new music added
to the Serb Fest soundtrack. While MP3s continue to be available
on TROnline, I thought this year would be a good opportunity
to introduce a BEST OF collection to Spotify, hopefully making
access to those of you staying home this Memorial Day weekend,
that much easier. Hopefully this link puts the playlist at
your fingertips and will enhance your weekend, just a little
bit!
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5.17.20
// SERB FEST COLLECTION: Volume VI RELEASED!!

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Despite
the blasted pandemic and it's impact on Serb Fest's 2020 attendance,
keeping in tradition with our evergrowing soundtrack schedule,
I'm happy to announce the sixth installment of the Serb Fest
Collection Series, the 10th anniversary of Volume I's release!
As expected, the collection once again speaks to the unique
flavor of Central Indiana and the Spirit of Turkey Run.
I
build these collections over the course of 2 years and work
hard to be very deliberate with my selections. This year,
I was a bit lean on playlist, but stumbled upon a couple of
excellent last minute additions - in particular, the bonus
last track of the collection, "Boter Vinny", a Serbian
powerhouse tune that I have not taken the time to translate
lyrics, but am convinced it's a suitable anthem to solute
our old friend, Vince Kus, 2004's inaugural 'Intellectual
of the Year' award winner. In addition to this gem, there
are a number of great, soon-to-be classic TR tunes by familiar
artists and a few new to the collection as well. ENJOY!
Download
the tracks HERE,
add them to your iTunes playlists for the drive to TR this
year, or for your own quarantined backyard Serb Fest festivities!
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5.16.20
// TR2020 Will Be Intimate, But Awesome!
Hi
Friends - This is not your typical attendance update, but
none the less, we will indeed have a skeleton crew on hand
at Turkey Run this year, for an abbreviated celebration of
2020's edition of Serb Fest. Not to worry though, we absolutely
plan to gather as a full group later this summer (or fall)
to "observe" Serb Fest. For those able to brave
the pandemic to gather at TR, the day it officially opens
to the public, this will be a year unlike any other. We will
do our best to uphold the great spirt of Serb Fest past, despite
the diminished attendence. We will remember this challenging
time... and look forward to TR 2021, when we're all able to
once again gather together aroudn the hallowed grills of Turkey
Run for what promises to be the most anitipcated Serb Fest
of ALL-TIME!! Next weekend, regardless of where you are, or
who you're with, let's make memories! Happy Serb Fest! Zeveli!!
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5.01.20
// TR2020 Hanging on by a Thread.... POSTPONED
to MAY 24-26, 2020
Amazing
to look back on the optimism from just 6 short weeks ago.
Coronavirus was impacting our lives pretty significantly at
that point. Offices were closed... Bars and Restaurants may
have JUST shut down... But at that time, the expectation was
that by the middle of April, we'd all more or less be back
to "normal". Well, there's no need to fully recap
the insanity of the last 6 weeks, but the bottom line is that
as of this moment, Indiana State Parks are closed until a
reopening (tentatively) scheduled for May 24.
So
TR2020 is officially POSTPONED just two short days
and will still hopefully remain over Memorial Day, extending
to Tuesday, May 26. Many of us have contacted TR Inn to reschedule
our stay to reflect these dates. Clearly, there's no pressure
to join us this year if you and your families aren't comfortable
in that environment at that point in time. The good news is
that we would be the first occupants of the hotel and cabins
after reopening, so the spaces should be clean and safely
virus-free.
More
to come on a contingency plan to include those who do in fact
choose not to attend in person this year.
Stay
safe, friends!
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3.15.20
// COVID-19 Not Expected to Impact TR2020!
Well,
Spring is nearly upon us
And as we all fend off the
evil Coronavirus, rest assured, there are no plans to postpone
or cancel our beloved weekend at Turkey Run! Lets face
it, with the amount of time weve all spent playing in
the dirt at TR over the years, were all probably immune
to much worse! We are a mere 10 weeks out and I do believe
its time to let the anticipation begin!
This
year, Serb Fest enters its 6th decade! For our generations
Founding Members, its our 4th decade of attendance...
Pretty astounding! What makes me most proud as I look forward
to the next decade of Serb Fest, is the prospect of our children,
the 3rd generation of attendees, by the close of the decade,
will be young adults, many, of drinking age
. They will
be primed to carry the torch and usher in the future of Serb
Fest! So, until then, we, the second generation, have a responsibility
to ourselves, our children, the future of Serb Fest
and most importantly, the legacy of our forefathers, to celebrate
the next 10 years of Serb Fest
. To keep our Spirit and
the Legend of Serb Fest-past, strong
to instill the
same passion in our young ones that we all have for TR. This
is our duty as todays elder statesmen of Serb Fest!
First order of business, please reach out if youre in
need of a room for TR 2020. Id like to inventory how
many rooms we have amongst us so we dont overextend
our recruitment efforts! I hear OLAF and crew have a new family
looking to join us! As always, Ill post attendee news
as it becomes available.
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5.28.19
// Another Decade of Serb Fest Comes to a Close!
Another
sensational Serb Fest is behind us. Another decade has become
part of the Legend. Our generation has truly found its stride
after 20 years
or, perhaps after 10 years of
navigating Serb Fest with the 3rd generation in tote
Serb Fest is like a well-oiled machine, prepared to endure
anything the weekend might throw at us. We were excited to
not only have the Boskovic's back after their infamous 1 year
"hiatus"...the unexpected return of BS was amazing
as well! Attendance was once again strong at 46!
MORE >>
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5.22.19
// Cooler Sessions - Crazy Dan Premiers!

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Im
thrilled to finally share the highly anticipated next chapter
of Cooler Sessions, featuring none other than Crazy Dan! Appropriate
timing as he prepares to make his return to Serb Fest after
his one-year hiatus! The chat takes us back to the sweltering
100 degree heat of TR2012. Learn some important Serbian techniques
for staying cool in extreme heat and MUCH more! Language is
technically not safe for kids, but I used to share with a
3-4 year old Grant and he thought it was hilarious. He seems
to have turned out fine!
COOLER
SESSIONS: DAN BOSKOVIC
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5.21.19
// Turn Back The Clock: A Look Back at TR 99 - TWENTY Years Later
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As
you know, TR Online periodically brings you an in depth look
back at notable years past, 10 years later in our Turn
Back The Clock Series. The very first in our series
debuted 10 years ago, looking back on 1999. A true turning
point in Serb Fest History. A year in which Serb Feets
second generation took hold and set forth down the path of
a lifelong tradition. Now, in 2019, we have an opportunity
to get again reflect on this pivotal year, 20 years later!
Have a read and appreciate just how much has changed (and
how much hasnt) in 20 years of Serb Fest!
TR
1999 - TWENTY Years Later
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5.19.19
// "One Trip Wonders" of Serb Fest Past
Lets
take a few moments to remember some of our most memorable
One Trip Wonders! Most of us regular attendees
have long committed to TR for life... A tradition of making
memories with friends and family year after year... And while
we always encourage regular attendance from the moment new
invitees are introduced to Serb Fest, repeat attendance simply
doesnt materialize for some. For OLAF recruit, Sean
Sullivan, an incredible 12 years separated his only two
trips to TR. His surprise return in 2012 has certainly been
the exception. Most are instantly hooked or fall immediately
into TR lore. Impressively though, many who only briefly cross
paths with our great tradition have managed to make lasting
impressions. READ MORE>
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Vince
"The Intellectual" Kus
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"Chuck
the Truck" Leto
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Arpan
Desai
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Eric
"Mad Dog" Hansen
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2004
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2004
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2004
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2007
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5.15.19
// TR Shopping List Available
The
TR2019 Shopping List is now available HERE!
As expected, theres not much change from recent years,
but please review your individual (limited) responsibilities
to prevent unnecessary redundancy of food, drink and supplies.
Also,
be sure to have cash on hand for your park entrance fee ($7)
canoe/kayak rental ($15/kayak, $20/canoe) and hay ride ($10/person)
For
those bringing young children on the float and will have them
in kayaks, I recommend picking up a few bungee cords from
your local hardware store to allow you to tether kayaks together
and ensure we all continue to float slowly and blissfully
down Sugar Creek!
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3.16.19
// Full TR 2018 RECAP w Photos Is Finally Up!
As
promised, the TR 2018 Recap is finally up at TR Online! Check
it out and relive the countless ridiculous moments! I mean,
the quotes alone... absolutely priceless! Some dandy photos
too... ENJOY!
TR
2018 RECAP
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3.11.19
// Let the Countdown Begin!! TR 2019 - 74 Days To Go!
Friends....
As most of us continue to endure a winter that just won't
seem to quit, I can't believe we're less than 11 weeks out
from yet another epic weekend at Turkey Run State Park. Like
the promise of another Spring, TR2019 holds tremendous promise.
I'm hopeful that we'll see the return of several dearly missed
attendees and those who've recently returned to Serb Fest
will continue the momentum forward and join us again this
year!
In
what seems to be the new normal here at TR Online and our
Serb Fest FB Group, I've been slow to post content from the
previous year.... Rest assured, this is in the works! Soon
you'll be inundated with photos, ridiculous quotes and hilarious
memories to get your appetite in order for this year's festivities.
Stay tuned for much, much more!
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5.29.18
// TR 2018 Awards Announcement!
Congratulations
to our 2018 Award Winners! Feces Mike took home the prestigious
Vince Kus Intellectual of the Year award and his boy
Callen Z showed his strong, spirited personality... locking
down 2018 Rookie of the Year honors. Look out for this
kid in the future... He may be the next dude asking his buddies
if they want to take a ride into town for some ice cream...
if you know what I mean! And as for FM, let me point out that
5 of the last 6 recipients of the Intellectual of the Year award
have been FM and Crazy Dan, however they've not attended TR
together since 2011! Could 2019 be the year they're united and
duke it out for next year's title? Or will the battle end in
a stalemate, with each earning co-honors, as they did in 2011?
Anticipation is high!! Finally, on a less-exciting note, Scott
Berger earned this year's Cevapcici Consumption Award,
after diligently pounding Serbian sausage all weekend with the
sole goal of earning the award!
Check
out the AWARDS ARCHIVE for
a look back on past recipients!
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5.29.18
// TR 2018 - Done and Done
The
41st+ edition of Serb Fest, while short a few key attendees,
was none the less, not at all short of good times! The weather
was outstanding and the group was energized by the return
of Mike and Amy Z! The group rallied to compensate for the
Boskovics absence for the first time since the early
2000s. It certainly proved that they bring a heck of
a lot more than crazy antics to the table each year. Were
now less than a year out from their sure-to-be triumphant
return!
This
years hike was a welcomed success after several years
of poor navigation resulting in extra long hikes, we finally
took the right turns that kept us to a reasonable distance
and duration! The beer float was a near disaster and nearly
resulted in the issuance of TRs second official demerit
(a second was threatened once before due to a stolen chair
w/ footrest in the pre-children era of Serb Fest). Scott was
over-confident in the group not needing a reservation for
the kayak trip, but after a slightly later departure and above
average nice weather, Sugar Valley Canoe Trips was at near
capacity
. Running out of kayaks for all morning and
early afternoon departures. That forced the majority of the
group into tubes. At first this appeared to be a significant
downgrade in comfort and experience, but as the trip unfolded,
most agreed the tubes were fun. On another note, the group
also failed to pack a secondary cooler of beer into the cars
and Berger, once again could have been more diligent after
Dave R asked if we had everything packed up. This certainly
would have contributed to said issuance of a demerit, but
miraculously, the group managed to reasonably ration the beverage
supply, so all in all, the float was a success. That said,
it was a big lesson learned and next year will be much better
orchestrated! Perhaps this will parlay into a most improved
award for Berger next year!
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5.24.16
// Cooler Sessions Series Debuts TODAY!

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The
time has come... For your viewing pleasure, the next installment
of our "Fireside Chat" series, featuring Brian Crissie!
Take a few minutes and give it a watch with the family!
FIRESIDE
CHAT: BRIAN CRISSIE
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