ELLENVILLE, N.Y. – The Organization for the Defense of Lemkivshchyna (known by the Ukrainian-based acronym as OOL) invites all to the Lemko Vatra festival, which will take place on June 24-25 at the Ukrainian America Youth Association’s grounds (popularly known as “Oselia CYM”) in Ellenville, N.Y.
This festival brings together individuals who wish to celebrate the unique cultural aspects of the Lemko region. This year, the Lemko Vatra will commemorate the 70th anniversary of Akcja Wisła, the forced relocation of Ukrainians within Poland in 1947.
Festival events will include two days of performances by musicians, singers and dancers from the United States, Canada and Europe. It will also feature a History & Heritage Tent complete with informational books, maps and on-site genealogy experts.
The Lemko folk band Demaj performs at the Vatra last summer.
On Saturday, a Vatra Cup soccer tournament will be organized during the day on the Oselia CYM sports field. That evening, guests will be able to enjoy dances with live band music both indoors and outside. And, as always, the Vatra will organize a pig roast at the start of the festival, and traditional Ukrainian food will be available for purchase all weekend in the outdoor kitchen.
For more information, including how to request to perform or to set up a vendor’s table, readers may contact OOL President Mark Howansky at [email protected] or visit OOL’s website, www.lemko-ool.com.
For accommodation information at Oselia CYM, which is located on 8853 Route 209, Ellenville, NY 12428, call 845-647-7230 or e-mail [email protected].