New Year's Eve celebrated amidst Soyuzivka's winter wonderland

by Bohdanka Puzyk

KERHONKSON, N.Y. - The arrival of the New Year is always a very festive occasion here, especially when you have the management and staff of Soyuzivka doing everything in their power to ensure the best.

Soyuzivka is always a magical and wonderful place in the winter, when snow covers the ground and the evergreens all glisten with a dusting of snow. The entire estate looks like a winter wonderland. The Main House was decorated with a beautiful Christmas tree (thanks to Olesia Guran, sales manager), a warm fire roared in the fireplace, and the room was filled with the sound of traditional Ukrainian Christmas carols. Friday night started the New Year festivities early with entertainment in the Main House where guests talked and danced.

Saturday, December 31, brought a clear and beautiful day with a hint of snow in the air. By evening, just in time for the cocktail hour, a nice snowfall added to the splendor of the evening. The Main House was the gathering place for hors d'uvres and cocktails, as ladies in evening gowns and men in tuxedos met and greeted family and friends. The excitement of another New Year at Soyuzivka was electrifying.

At the appropriate hour the guests started moving toward the Veselka Hall, where dinner was served. While walking slowly and carefully through the snow, everyone was able to enjoy the exterior decorations bestowed by nature.

The Veselka hall had been transformed into a fantastic winter wonderland, dressed up in sparkling and shimmering silver and blue. As guests entered, Tempo was playing traditional carols making for a very festive atmosphere. Well over 200 people had dinner, which was served by the wait staff of Soyuzivka. These young people worked very hard to be attentive to everyone. Chef Andrij Sonevytsky truly outdid himself this year with an exquisite menu that offered a delicious meal for any pallet.

After dinner Tempo let out all the stops, and the party began. The New Year was greeted with great fanfare and excitement, as everyone hugged and kissed and wished each other the best in the coming year. The zabava lasted until after 2 a.m.

The next morning at brunch, people were still wishing each other a happy New Year and talking about making plans for next year's festivities. And I suggest that with Soyuzivka's new booking policies, if anyone is considering celebrating New Year's Eve 2006 at Soyuzivka, making a reservation now is a " dobra dumka" - a good idea.

Copyright © The Ukrainian Weekly, February 19, 2006, No. 8, Vol. LXXIV

| Home Page |