The annual Serb Fest at St. Sava’s Serbian Orthodox Church is poised to captivate attendees this year with a groundbreaking addition: a comprehensive sports exhibit celebrating the remarkable achievements of Serbian athletes. This unique display marks a significant evolution for the festival, traditionally known for highlighting Serbian monarchs and historical narratives, now embracing the vibrant world of Serbian sports and its profound cultural impact.
Central to this immersive exhibition is a powerful tribute to NBA star Nikola Jokic, the acclaimed center for the Denver Nuggets. Visitors will encounter a prominent banner commemorating his contributions, flanked by two highly coveted autographed basketballs. One ball, a generous donation from the Denver Nuggets, bears Jokic’s signature, while the other proudly showcases the autographs of the entire 2024 Paris Olympics Serbian national team, underscoring the nation’s collective athletic prowess.
The meticulous curation of this sports museum exhibit was a collaborative endeavor, spearheaded by dedicated members of St. Sava’s historical society, including Xenia Jancarich, Dorothy Paunovich, Milo Turaylich, Rosalyn Opacich, and Millie Ruzbasan. Their collective efforts ensured that upon entering the Merrillville-based museum, visitors are immediately enveloped in decades of rich sports nostalgia, presented through carefully selected memorabilia and captivating visual narratives.
The exhibit officially debuts this Friday, coinciding with the commencement of the 42nd annual Serb Fest. Located at 9191 Mississippi St. in Merrillville, the festival welcomes guests from noon until midnight on Friday and Saturday, extending its hours until 9 p.m. on Sunday. This timing offers ample opportunity for individuals and families to explore both the cultural festivities and the compelling new athletic display.
The genesis of this sports-themed exhibit for 2025 came from historical society member Dorothy Paunovich, who joined in 2008. Her vision was clear: to create an engaging platform that inspires the younger Serbian generation by showcasing the immense pride and success achieved by athletes within their cultural heritage. The exhibit aims to foster a deeper connection to their roots through the universal language of sport.
Beyond national luminaries, the exhibit proudly features accomplished Serbian athletes from the Northwest Indiana region. Notable inclusions range from Crown Point native and former Purdue guard Sasha Stefanovic, celebrated for his collegiate basketball career, to 2023 World Champion Freestyle Wrestler and Hanover Central graduate Stevan Mićić. The display also honors a talented trio from Wheeler High School who led the Bearcats to the 2010 Class 2A basketball state championship, highlighting local achievements.
To further enhance the visitor experience and extend the exhibit’s reach, attendees will receive a distinctive holographic “Serbs Rule” vinyl sticker. Paunovich actively encourages educational institutions and other community groups to visit the exhibit throughout the year, as it is designed to remain on display for at least two years, solidifying its role as a lasting testament to Serbian athletic excellence and cultural pride.
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