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CRO-IDOL 2007 GOES OFF WITH A BANG!

MELBOURNE - After many months of preparation, the Victorian 'Cro Idol' song festival finally took centre stage last Saturday night at the Croatian House (Dom) in Footscray. Hosted by Mladez HDZ, the now annual event enjoyed its most successful evening so far, with a full house packed into the luxurious main function room at the Dom.

A pleasant Saturday evening began with a brief introduction before popular local Croatian band 'Major Minor' belted out the first of several variety-filled sets. A fabulous rendition of the Goran Karan classic 'Lipa si lipa' was just one of several highlights by the experienced band, who looked to be enjoying the evening as much as everyone else.

The exceptional service by the cheerful young Croatian waiters and waitresses ensured that drinks were readily available for all patrons, before (and after) the top-notch Dom food was served.

Formal proceedings began just before nine o'clock, by which time the feverish crowd was waiting to hear the new (and returning) performers, who had patiently waited for their chance to shine.

Effervescent hosts, Marica Vugdelija and Marko Bajer, introduced the four judges (Stan Panic, MaryAnn Dobran, Tonci Prusac and Josip Loncaric) before introducing the first contestant, 14 year old Kristina Krajina. The talented young vocalist had the unenviable task of opening proceedings but managed to do a fantastic job with her rendition of the Divlje Jagode classic 'Kap po kap', setting the standard for a marvelous junior Under 16 field.....CONTINUED...

Melbourne’s 3rd annual Croatian Folklore Festival a huge success!

By Josip LONCARIC

MELBOURNE - A packed grandstand, standing ovations and an entertaining day overall. These are scenes not often associated with the Melbourne Knights (in recent times). But over the weekend, things changed as the third annual Croatian Folklore Festival, held last Sunday at the Knights' stadium in North Sunshine, proved to be the most successful ever.

Organised by the Mladez HDZ Melbourne branch and jointly hosted by the Melbourne Knights Soccer Club and Melbourne Croatia Social Club, the fun filled day ended up being the best attended edition of the annual event.

"Everything was perfect last Sunday, from the weather, to the great community turnout, to the performances of the dancers", said Mladez HDZ secretary Marica Vugdelija after the event.

Official figures claim the afternoon long event attracted approximately 1,200 people, although rough estimates from both the Melbourne Knights and Melbourne Croatia committees suggest around 1500-1700 people were in attendance throughout the entire day. Either way, these figures surpass the attendance figures of the previously held folkloric festivals quite comfortably....CONTINUED....

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