Ukrainian Festival in San Diego marks its 30th anniversary
by Vera Skop
SAN DIEGO - The traditional Ukrainian Festival in San Diego was held over Labor Day weekend. This year's festivities marked the 45th anniversary of the House of Ukraine in Balboa Park, San Diego, and the 30th anniversary of the San Diego Ukrainian Festival.
As in past years, the 2005 festival kicked off with a bonfire at San Diego's popular Mission Beach, where the event organizers welcomed the Troyanda Ukrainian Dance Ensemble from Selkirk, Manitoba, and out-of-town guests.
On Saturday morning visitors were offered a unique and special tour of the USS Midway, an aircraft carrier commissioned in 1945 that served as the flagship in Desert Storm in 1991.
The festivities continued into the evening at a gala concert in Balboa Park. A VIP reception to honor the volunteers of the past 45 years preceded the concert. The audience was treated to the exuberant and energetic talents of the Troyanda Ukrainian Dance Ensemble. A special guest star, the renowned violinist Vasyl Popadiuk, mesmerized the audience with his masterful skill and virtuosity.
A shortened version of the concert was presented on Sunday afternoon on the outdoor stage of the House of Pacific Relations in Balboa Park, where the House of Ukraine is one of 30 nationalities represented. Each has its own cottage that displays information about its culture and history. Festival attendees were able to view the newly refurbished Ukrainian "khatka" which has been under renovation for the past year.
The festival culminated in a banquet and dance. Vice-consul Taras Kuzmych and staff member Oleksandra Markova of the Consulate General of Ukraine in San Francisco were warmly welcomed with a round of applause.
Guests from northern California presented a special performance of the Ivan Kupalo ritual. Mr. Popadiuk once again demonstrated his musical talent in front of guests from California, Arizona, Oregon, Idaho and Canada.
The House of Ukraine 45th anniversary celebration, which board members from the 1960s to 2005 attended, was a great success. Plans are already in place for 2006.
Vera Skop is president of the House of Ukraine.
Copyright © The Ukrainian Weekly, October 9, 2005, No. 41, Vol. LXXIII
| Home Page |