2015 Lorain International Festival princesses: Olivia Harasty

Drew Scofield/dscofield@morningjournal.com ,

By Morning Journal | morningjournal@dfmdev.com

PUBLISHED: May 9, 2015 at 2:23 p.m. | UPDATED: July 15, 2021 at 7:45 a.m.

Name: Olivia Harasty
Age: 17
Nationality: Hungarian
Sponsor: American Hungarian Council of Lorain County
Parents: Robert and Julie Harasty
School: Firelands High School
Costume: “The costume I am wearing is a folk dress called Sarkozi and originates from the region of Sarkoz, located in southern Hungary just west of the Danube River. Young women of the region wore this costume for folk dances and ceremonial occasions. Hungarians of the Sarkoz region display, with pride, this distinctive “magyar” (Hungarian) costume honoring the meticulous attention devoted to fine details of design. The women’s parta (headdress), adorned with flowers and beadwork, compliment the artwork in the costume.”
Ethnic Roots: “The Haraszthy family derives from a Hungarian noble line. We are able to trace our roots back to Ung County in northeastern Hungary. My Hungarian heritage originates from my paternal side. My great-grandfather, Istvan Haraszthy, came from Lelesz in Zemplen, Megye. His wife, Erzsebet Tokar, came from Szerinfalva Ung, Megye. They met here in Lorain at local Hungarian functions. Their son, my grandfather, Stephen Harasty, learned the importance of his heritage at an early age and continued to teach later generations the pride and ways of our ancestors.”
Favorite Native Dish: Paprikas Csirke (chicken paprikas).
Favorite Musical Group: “I enjoy most musical genres.”
Favorite Book: “Pride and Prejudice,” by Jane Austen
Favorite Movie: “The Sound of Music”
Future Plans: “I plan to attend Cleveland State University to major in chemical and biomedical engineering through CSU’s Washkewicz College of Engineering. Women are often underrepresented in the fields of engineering and I hope to further increase the use of creativity and skills in teamwork and leadership for both men and women to solve technical problems in service to society.”
Princess Comments: “Ever since I was a little girl, I’ve been brought up to learn Hungarian customs, dancing, the delicious foods and elaborate tales of Hungary’s history as well as that of my family. Nothing can truly explain the exhilaration that I feel about representing the Hungarian nationality; it is an honor to say the least. We are an emotional, proud and intelligent people who have a great passion for dance, romance and nature. Hungarian is not only a cultural heritage, but it is my way of life.”
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