Perhaps the most vague of the four Tenets, “Perseverance” is open for interpretation. However, there is certainly evidence of Perseverance in Serb Fest’s storied past. Let’s take a look back at TR 1999 when Dan F, infamously, nearly lost his life three times (arguably four). Fortunately, his great perseverance allowed him to pull through each of his near-death experiences. Let’s take a look at the growing pains experienced in the mid-2000’s in regards to significant others being invited to join the male dominated Second Generation of attendees. While an initially unpopular and potentially group-dividing decision, the Second Generation banded together and pulled through the growing pains. They eventually saw the growth in the context of Serb Fest’s big picture. Serb Fest had always been a family-friendly event – focused on husbands, wives, children and of course, FRIENDS. While always surrounded by family, the Second Generation lost sight of it for a period of time. By the end of the 2000’s, a majority of the Second Generation men were bringing wives, girlfriends and children to Turkey Run. The Generation had come full-circle with their predecessors and they had their perseverance to thank for it.