The Organization for the Defense of Lemkivshchyna (OOL) invites all to the Lemko Vatra festival, which will take place on June 25-26 at the Ukrainian American Youth Association’s resort (Oselia CYM) in Ellenville, N.Y. Each year, the Vatra brings together individuals who wish to celebrate the unique cultural aspects of the Lemko region.
Events will include two days of performances by musicians, singers and dancers from the United States, Poland and Ukraine. The Lemko Vatra will also feature a History and Heritage Tent complete with information, books, maps and on-site genealogy experts. Souvenir T-shirts with Lemko themes will be sold in the vendors’ pavilion.
On Saturday, the Vatra Cup soccer tournament will be organized during the day on the UAYA’s sports fields. That evening, guests will be able to enjoy dances with live band music both indoors and outside. And, as always, 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, please 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, please call 845-647-7230 or e-mail [email protected].