THE 15th ANNIVERSARY OF UKRAINE'S INDEPENDENCE
Ukrainian Homestead in Pennsylvania hosts 14th annual Ukrainian Folk Festival
by Borys Prokopovych
LEHIGHTON, Pa. - Despite cloud-covered skies, the 14th annual Ukrainian Folk Festival got off to a great start on August 19 as hundreds of visitors crowded the grass in front of the Ukrainian Homestead's outdoor stage to view the opening songs and dances by the Kazka Ukrainian Folk Ensemble and performances by the Chaika Dance Ensemble from Hamilton, Ontario.
Welcoming the audience were Paula Holoviak and Ulana Prociuk, who alternated between Ukrainian and English introductions for the mixed audience that included many non-Ukrainians.
In addition to the spirited dances and melodic songs, guests sampled various traditional Ukrainian foods and browsed through the many offerings of vendors, who sold everything from music to paintings. A special treat was the unscheduled performance of the Ukrainian Barvy foursome from Kyiv, who sang a montage of Ukrainian songs. Even a sudden afternoon rain did not stop the festival as the second performances were moved inside the large dance hall.
The festivities continued into the evening with a rousing dance hosted by Captain Mike, a 30-year veteran DJ, who kept the enthusiastic crowd on its feet with a mix of traditional Ukrainian dance music and a range of old and new American selections.
Sunny skies welcomed the second day of the festival, which began with a solemn liturgy celebrated by Bishop Ivan Bura and continued with the opening of the performances.
A special visitor from Ukraine's Consulate General in New York, Consul General, Mychailo Kyrychenko, accompanied by Consul Andrij Olefirov, addressed the Sunday audience with a brief overview of past events in Ukraine leading up to the independence of Ukraine in 1991 and the Orange Revolution resulting in the election of Viktor Yushchenko as the current president of Ukraine.
The Ukrainian Folk Festival, held annually on the third Saturday in August, has been a continuing success for the Homestead. Next year's festival will be held on August 18 and 19, as the Ukrainian Homestead, founded in 1957, celebrates its 50th anniversary.
Copyright © The Ukrainian Weekly, September 10, 2006, No. 37, Vol. LXXIV
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