13th annual Ukrainian Folk Festival held in Lehighton, Pa.

LEHIGHTON, Pa. - Commemorating the 14th anniversary of Ukraine's independence and its continued growth in democracy, the Ukrainian Homestead held its 13th annual Ukrainian Folk Festival on August 20-21.

Guests were welcomed by Ulana Prociuk and Paula Holoviak, who opened the stage show in English and Ukrainian. After an opening prayer led by Father Vasyl Momokhod and the national anthems of Ukraine and the United States, the show erupted in music and dance.

Featuring the Kazka Ukrainian Folk Ensemble, the Kashtan Dance Ensemble, and the Oberehy Music Ensemble, the festival presented a mosaic of Ukrainian song and dance ranging from the traditional to the modern. Young dancers in the Kazka ensemble, mostly third- and fourth-generation Ukrainians, exhibited their love for Ukrainian dance, spinning and twirling to ageless melodies as the audience roared its applause.

The Kashtan ensemble from Cleveland delighted viewers with its brilliant choreography. The dancers all trained at the Kashtan School of Ukrainian Dance, which is led by Markian Komichak and David Woznak. Kashtan's delightful repertoire and professional execution have made the group a favorite among audiences everywhere. By working to promote Ukraine's rich dance heritage, Kashtan has done much to advance the popularity of folk dance in this country.

In addition, the tantalizing smell of varenyky, holubtsi and kovbasa filled the summer air as festival-goers paused at vendors' tents featuring Ukrainian household accessories, crafts, jewelry, clothing and religious items.

Copyright © The Ukrainian Weekly, October 23, 2005, No. 43, Vol. LXXIII

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