Accept an invitation to attend Canada's National Ukrainian Festival (05/02/04)

A Ukrainian Summer: where to go, what to do...

Accept an invitation to attend Canada's National Ukrainian Festival

DAUPHIN, Manitoba - With talent ranging from well-known Ukrainian personalities to dancers from Chicago, a towering piano-playing comedian, home-grown local favorites, a spectacular combination of music and dance, Canada's unique Ukrainian bagpiper, a fantastic party band, to a folk-music ensemble straight from Ukraine, the grandstand line-up of the 2004 edition of Canada's National Ukrainian Festival is sure to please one and all.

Canada's National Ukrainian Festival is an annual three-day celebration of the rich and vibrant culture and heritage of Ukrainian Canadians held at Selo Ukraina, 12 kilometers south of Dauphin, Manitoba. Along with many cultural displays, demonstrations and workshops, zabavas (parties), a heritage village, Ukrainian Centennial Memorial Park, amateur talent dance competitions, parade, pavilions and food vendors, plus much more, the festival boasts first-class Ukrainian talent from around the world at four grandstand extravaganzas. The CNUF entertainment committee has been hard at work finding the best talent combination to ensure a fantastic show: comedy, music, dance, history and tradition are at the top of the agenda. Here's a sampling of what to expect on July 30-August 1:

Canada's National Riding and Dancing Cossacks and Company, Dauphin, Manitoba;
Canada's National Ukrainian Festival Choir, Dauphin;
Hromovytsia Ukrainian Dance Ensemble, Chicago;
Lastiwka Ukrainian Orthodox Choir and Orchestra, Saskatoon;
Lvivski Muzyky, five-piece folk music ensemble, Lviv;
Pavlychenko Folk Dance Ensemble, Saskatoon; and
Zirka Ukrainian Dance Ensemble, Dauphin.

Other weekend highlights include the official opening ceremony on Friday, July 30. Other features include dance parties on Friday and Saturday, July 30-31, with the high-energy 2004 houseband, Kalabai from Edmonton, a parade on Saturday through downtown Dauphin; and Ukrainian Centennial Memorial Park Commemorative Unveilings on Saturday.

A new feature this year is the Family Showcase on Sunday afternoon. Ron Cahute and Ihor Bachinsky will entertain one and all with comedy, music and the children's favorite, Barabolya. The Sunday show will also feature amateur and local talent starting at 2:30 p.m.

"We strive to bring a dynamic and diverse line-up to our visitors each summer, and are extremely pleased with how beautifully the 2004 show came together. We are excited to feature talent from around the world: from as far as Ukraine, Chicago and Toronto, cities across the Prairies, as well as right here at home. I encourage everyone to come for the culture and stay for the fun, said Laurie Michaluk, executive director of Canada's National Ukrainian Festival.

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