Dallas Lithuanian Community Marks 10th Anniversary in Irving

The Dallas chapter of the Lithuanian Community in the United States celebrated its tenth anniversary on October 24 in Irving, Texas. The event, titled Our History, Our People, Our Heritage, brought together community members to mark a decade since the group officially registered in 2016.

Erika Ulinskaitė, the community president, and Gedvaldas Povilaitis, who handled organizational logistics, led the program. For the first time, the speeches were translated into English to include Lithuanian families who speak the language at home but not at work. Ulinskaitė told the audience that their history consists of the memories that brought them to this point, while their heritage is what they pass down to their children.

The community’s roots in the area predate its official status. Members recall arriving in the early 1990s, with some families settling in the small town of Weatherford as early as 1998. Initial gatherings were informal, often taking place in homes on Tuesdays or in local parks. A lituanist school named Varpelis operated between 2009 and 2011, teaching children under the direction of Živilė Simeonidis. These early efforts laid the groundwork for the formal chapter established by founder Greta Potapovaitė on August 6, 2016.

Vilija Herrera, the community treasurer, explained the financial realities of hosting such an event. She noted that small communities face large costs for venues and equipment regardless of attendance numbers. To cover the expenses for the anniversary, the group used its savings and took out a loan. Herrera stated that financial support from the US Lithuanian Community’s local administration is essential for most projects, as they cannot easily raise ticket prices for a community filled with young families and seniors.

The evening featured eight short films documenting the group’s journey. These included projects by members like Virga Heft, Greta Potapovaitė, and Erika Ulinskaitė. Performances highlighted the cultural aspect of the gathering, with the folk dance group Klumpelė performing a choreographed piece. Another group, Sietuva, also debuted, having recently performed at a dance festival in Chicago.

Food played a central role in the celebration. Dalia Ulinskienė, a local cook, described food as the primary bond for the community. She said that while ideas may be forgotten, a shared meal always brings people together. The event concluded with a traditional dinner that served as a reminder of the strong ties among members living far from their homeland.

Guests attending the ceremony included Sigita Šimkuvienė, a former president of the US Lithuanian Community, and Kristina Lapienytė, president of the Lithuanian Studies Research Center. Representatives from the Houston and Maine chapters also attended, joining the Dallas group in acknowledging the work of volunteers who have maintained Lithuanian traditions in Texas for the past ten years.