Last weekend, Zarasai held a festival opening the summer season “Zarasai is like summer itself! ” which on a high note announced the symbolic beginning of the summer season and became the first stop of the Lithuanian Association of Resorts “Summer Lion 2019” Awards Programme.
By a decision of the competent commission consisting of representatives of the Republic of Lithuania Ministry of Economy and Innovations, the Republic of Lithuania Ministry of Agriculture, the National Association of Creative and Cultural Industries, the Lithuanian Hotel and Restaurant Association, the Lithuanian Rural Tourism Association, the Lithuanian Marketing Association, VŠĮ “Keliauk Lietuvoje”, two “Summer Lion 2019′ awards were awarded to top performing entities of the Zarasai District.
The “Summer Lion 2019” in the nomination of the “Guardian of National Heritage” was awarded to the Šlyninka Water Mill Community, and the title of the “Cultural Heritage Ambassador” went to UAB “Vasaknų Dvaras”.
The Šlyninka Water Mill Community, that was awarded the title of the “Guardian of National Heritage”, cherishes the best traditions of national heritage in the resort area of Zarasai: over 13 certified culinary heritage products, a total of 8 organic products (e.g. bread, flour, grits), excursions around the Old Water Mill, events for the entire family, the educational programme “The Bread Way”, the cultural heritage site – the Old Šlyninka Water Mill that is fully operational. Tourists who come to Zarasai always also make sure to pay a visit the Šlyninka Water Mill to taste the special local culinary heritage pancakes, to participate in the educational program “The Bread Way” or to buy some organic flour. The Šlyninka Water Mill Community, in cooperation with Zarasai District Municipality Culture Centre, arranges national heritage events for tourism development: “The Cibulinė Soup”, “The Sėla Musicians”, and a number of various thematic – calendar fairs. These exclusive events and the environment of the Old Water Mill itself contribute to the promotion of tourism and to the development of the best traditions of the resort area.
UAB “Vasaknų Dvaras”, that was granted the title of a Cultural Heritage Ambassador, operates the cultural heritage site of national significance – the Vasaknai Manor of the famous Radvila family of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania – and has adapted the Vasaknai Manor for active recreation and tourism. This venue is used for holding conferences, family celebrations and banquets, its capacity is over 100 places for guests, it has a great kitchen and a restaurant, it brews the Vasaknų Beer, arranges tastings, it has restored and brought back to life a brewery that dates back to the 18th century, it has arranged rooms for guests with great views of the Lake Vasaknai, it arranges various entertainment, events and recreational activities. The team of UAB “Vasaknų Dvaras” maintains close cooperation with the local community: the Dusetos Eldership and the Parish, the Cultural Centre and Dusetos Art Gallery, together they organize events for the tourist season, promote interest in the history of Lithuania and Lithuania’s manors, celebrate the names of the famous noblemen of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania: the Radvila, the Pliateris and the Tiškevičius – and organize various activities for the dissemination of professional art.
The “Summer Lion 2019” Awards will be awarded to the winners of seven more nominations. The travelling awards are announced at the summer season opening festivals of Lithuanian resorts and resort areas, so the Lithuanian Association of Resorts invites everyone to closely follow the news and to visit our resorts and resort areas that have already got the summer vibe!
