YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio - A local group is trying to teach younger generations what it means to be Slavic.

Simply Slavic took over downtown Saturday as part of an ethnic heritage festival with a baking contest, Ukranian and Russian dancers and Polka music.

The Del Sinchak Orchestra and Living Traditions Folk Ensemble provided much of the music for the 12 hour event that concluded at midnight.

David Slanina, an organizer with the festival and Simply Slavic, says the day was about education as well as fun.

"The big idea is to promote the rich Slavic heritage of the valley and try to really pass it on to the next generation of young people so they remember their roots and where they're from so that we can keep the history alive," Slanina says.

The evening also provided a 50/50 auction, Slavic auction drawing and the announcement of a scholarship winner.