Marking their annual corporate holiday, Metallurgist's Day, employees from SGMK and affiliated companies, along with their families, attended a traditional Russian fair.
Fairs have been famous in Russia since ancient times. Vibrant, cheerful and crowded, not only did they symbolize goodness and fan, but also they played an important role in the development of economic and political relations both domestically and internationally. This is a truly Russian cultural phenomenon that still unites people today.
"The choice of a Russian fair for our celebration is very symbolic," Denis Alexandrovich Kraev, SGMK General Director, said in his opening remarks. "This dedication to tradition is important to us. Fairs in Russia have always united people from all walks of life. Therefore, I encourage you to use this opportunity to connect with colleagues you may not yet know within our large team, and become friends. And may God grant you health! Happy holiday to you!"
"...Mother Earth, white birch. For me – Holy Russia, for others – a splinter," the song by Tatyana Kurtukova, which has become a folk hit, was heard all around, setting the tone for the holiday and lifting the guests' spirits.
True to the spirit of a traditional Russian fair, the event, held at the Kuznetsky Shooting Park, offered a wide array of activities and entertainment to delight attendees of all ages and interests. Football, volleyball, lapta (a Russian bat and ball game), tug-of-war, table tennis, arm wrestling, mas-wrestling, kettlebell lifting, power biathlon, and track and field – these and many other activities awaited sports enthusiasts. Guests could also try felt boot and log tossing, participate in sack races, family relays, or recall the ancient Russian game of "Gorodki."
Younger visitors enjoyed amusement rides and a variety of workshops, including pottery, gingerbread decorating, crafting traditional Russian headdresses known as "kokoshniks," toy making, wreath weaving, friendship bracelet making, and creating traditional charms from bast. One of the most fun activities for the kids was the soap bubble show.
As dusk fell, guests were treated to an evening concert program featuring performances by both professionals and employees from SGMK and its partner enterprises, highlighting the breadth of talent present within the company.
"The celebration was really dynamic. The foam party was a particular joy – very refreshing on such a hot day. The activities and workshops were well-organized, and the presenters were excellent," Anastasia Alexandrovna Tsygankova, Product Manager of the Summit corporate portal at SGMK, shared. "Showcasing the talents of our own employees is a fantastic idea. It's much more interesting to watch your colleagues than outside performers. I'd be happy to participate in future company concerts as well. Thank you for this opportunity."
"It really feels like a true Russian fair," Valeria Albertovna Kolesnikova, Assistant to the Deputy General Director for Legal Affairs and Corporate Development, added. "You could see the joy on people's faces, vivid, positive emotions, hear the ringing laughter of children and parents. As a concert participant, I would like to thank the organizers and presenters for giving us this opportunity to share our talents."
The fair concluded with a spectacular fireworks display. Attendees gazed upwards in awe at the night sky, where delicate flower buds unfolded and bright stars lit up in honor of the holiday's main heroes: metallurgists.