Verkhovyna site of Youth Festival (05/04/97)

Verkhovyna site of Youth Festival

by Serge Kowalchuk

GLEN SPEY, N.J. - The Ukrainian Fraternal Association's Verkhovyna Resort and Youth Center, nestled in the heart of the picturesque Catskill Mountains of New York State, is located at the confluence of three states: New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

Purchased in 1955, with the intent of providing a vacation spot for the UFA membership, this 142-acre resort soon became a center for youth activities.

One such activity is the annual Ukrainian Youth Festival, which draws close to 8,000 people every year. Billed as the biggest three-day ethnic festival in the tri-state area, it had its beginnings in 1976 when a group of young UFA members decided to honor the U.S. Bicentennial. The festival was an instant success, with its four grandstand shows, ethnic foods, sporting events, vendors, camping, fishing and dancing under the starry sky. The tradition continues to this day every third weekend in July. The 1997 Ukrainian Youth Festival is scheduled for July 18-20.

In addition to the Youth Festival, the UFA sponsors a Dance Workshop for advanced dancers age 16 and older on June 29-July 20 under the direction of Roma Pryma-Bohachevsky. The workshop ends the weekend of the festival with a gala performance by participants during the grandstand shows.

The Chornomorska Sitch Sports Camp begins the week after the festival. The camp is open to all age groups from 8 to 18. There is group and personalized instruction in soccer, swimming, volleyball, and track and field by a professional staff of trainers. Contact Omelan Twardowsky, (908) 688-8223.

From July 27 to August 9, Dance Camp is held for beginners and advanced dancers age 7-16 under the direction of Ms. Pryma-Bohachevsky. Interested parties should call Ms. Pryma-Bohachevsky, (212) 677-7187.

For general information about all activities contact the resort's manager, Jaroslav Gawur, at (914) 856-1323.

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