Julia Wislocki
The New Wave Passaic Choir, which performed at the Lemko Vatra.
ELLENVILLE, N.Y. – The Organization for the Defense of Lemkivshchyna (OOL) invites all to the XV Lemko Vatra U.S.A., which will take place on June 27-28 here at the Ukrainian American Youth Association’s resort (oselia).
Each year, the Vatra festival brings together individuals who wish to celebrate the unique cultural aspects of the Lemko region. As this is the 15th annual Lemko Vatra, this year’s event will feature special commemorations.
Sofia Fedyna sings as children dance around her.
The festival will include two days of performances by musicians, singers and dancers from the United States, Poland and Ukraine, including Sofiya Fedyna, president of the World Federation of Ukrainian Lemko Unions (SFULO). There will be the trademark pig roast at the start of the festival, and traditional Ukrainian food will be available for purchase all weekend from the outdoor kitchen.
On Saturday, soccer teams will compete for the Vatra Cup on the oselia sports field. That evening, guests will be able to enjoy dances with live band music both indoors and outside. The 15th Lemko Vatra U.S.A. will also feature a youth sound and poem competition, as well as a Lemko History and Heritage information tent. Souvenir T-shirts with attractive Lemko themes will be sold in the vendors’ pavilion.
For more information – including for potential performers and vendors – readers may contact OOL President Mark Howansky at [email protected] or visit the website www.lemko-ool.com.
For accommodation information at the UAYA oselia, which is located on 8853 Route 209, Ellenville, NY 12428, call 845-647-7230 or e-mail [email protected].