In the early morning of the last day of May, we were getting ready to open the event we had been diligently preparing for more than half a year. Invitations to a 50th birthday party are usually taken seriously — even more so when you’re part of the organising team and shaping the program itself. This time, however, the one celebrated wasn’t a single person or a team, but in essence, an entire region. At the foot of the Liptovská Mara dam, we prepared a day dedicated to the birthday of the power plant itself — and everyone, so to speak, was invited. If you happened to miss it, we invite you to take a look back at how we celebrated 🥳.
The 50-year-old hydroelectric power plant, together with the eponymous dam, forms an important part of the Liptov region’s history and continues to help shape its future. The event was one of the largest in Liptov this year, emphasising the significance of this technical structure for the region and raising awareness about its energetic, economical, ecological, and recreational importance and its connection to the everyday lives of the local people. Slovenské elektrárne, one of the operators of the power plant, celebrated its 50th anniversary with a Day Full of Energy / Deň plný energie — and the event truly lived up to its name. Perfect weather, a vibrant program full of energy, and a unique location just a few steps from the famous and busy power plant, where one usually can’t step in on an ordinary day. Partner activities and promotion were supported by the neighbouring company SVP and the regional tourism organisation Visit Liptov.
Preparing for such an event naturally took more than a few days (or months 😉). But an event of this scale certainly required it. Complete fencing of the meadow venue, preparation of parking zones, designated visitor walkways inside the power plant building, branding, navigation signs, stage setup, stretch tents, activity tents, and a large mobile LED screen — everything was ready in advance so that the celebration could go exactly according to the carefully written plan. 😎 And indeed, it did.
The program was thematically divided into zones, making it easy for visitors to navigate the venue and schedule. Guests could explore the Mara Zone, Art Zone, Edu Zone, Fun Zone, and Show Zone. As the names suggest, zones offered activities related to the power plant’s history, creative arts, learning experiences, and, of course, plenty of fun at every corner. The Show Zone hosted the main stage program, where, in addition to the headliner, the popular band Hrdza, also the circus show CirKusKus, and local groups likewise performed, including the orchestra of the Private Elementary Art School from Liptovský Hrádok, Mikuláš ensembles such as the Ďumbier Children’s Folklore Ensemble, Folklore Ensemble Váh, and the dancers from Freezy Dance Crew. Visitors enjoyed a drumming workshop and outdoor painting sessions led by the Liptov Cultural Centre. The Slovak Museum of Nature Protection and Speleology brought the world of local nature closer to the audience, while firefighters, mountain rescuers, medics, and divers offered hands-on activities where everyone could try a bit of their daily craft.
Besides tours of the power plant building — one of the biggest attractions — visitors could also stop by the discussion tent, where, along with a permanent exhibition on the historical milestones of the facility, a panel discussion took place featuring witnesses of the plant’s beginnings, current representatives and employees of the Liptovská Mara Hydropower Plant.
Throughout the day, an estimated 2,500 visitors came to the venue — exceeding even our own expectations. Yet, there was enough space, refreshments, and entertainment for everyone — exactly as it should be at a good 50th birthday celebration. And we heard that the pleasant atmosphere was still being talked about among locals for weeks afterwards 😊. As for us, even months later, we’re still happy we accepted the invitation to celebrate the 50th anniversary.