Parking spots were at a premium at Heritage Elementary School on Thursday evening, Feb. 7. Nearly every spot all around the school was taken by 6 p.m. as visitors poured into the school's gymnasium for the 22nd Annual Russian Festival.

Students from Valor Middle School and Heritage treated the visitors with their Russian-heritage prepared themes, including poetry recitals, folklore, songs and dances. There were also many handmade items contributing to the décor which students created in their respective classrooms.

The annual event hosted by these duel-language schools is held to recognize and celebrate Russian culture.

The well-rehearsed performances were varied, beginning with Natalia Afanasiev's kindergarten class performance of the songs "Our Spoons" and "Karavai:" one song about a popular Russian souvenir, wooden spoons; the other about the popular Russian bread, Karavai. The school's kindergarten students studied about these aspects of Russian culture in advance.

By contrast, Vadim Abrashev's 4th grade class recited the poem "How the Bear's Toot was Treated;" a fairy tale depicting how the birds and other forest animals helped the bear. The story imparts lessons on how to take care of oneself and to help others.

Valor students introduced the ceremonial event with the recitation of "Our Russian Poem," while the finale was an entertaining rendition of "What is Taught at School."