Kathy Park
Stephanie and Roman Milan of the Kazka Ukrainian Folk Ensemble perform at the 2015 Ukrainian Festival at the Ukrainian Homestead.
LEHIGHTON, Pa. – Centrally located in the Pocono Mountains of Northeastern Pennsylvania and less than a two-hour drive from Philadelphia and New York City, the Ukrainian Homestead of the Organization for the Rebirth of Ukraine (known by its Ukrainian-based acronym as ODWU) is the perfect vacation spot.
The Homestead is close to many activities for families and young adults, as well as home to a host of Ukrainian summer festivals and events. The historic and picturesque town of Jim Thorpe with its shopping, restaurants and nearby hiking and biking trails is just five minutes away. Two public lakes offer fishing and boating for outdoor enthusiasts. And the area is full of history and old-fashioned summer fun from coal mining museums to working railroads to amusement parks for the kids.
Numerous cultural activities take place at the Ukrainian Homestead throughout the summer. The summer season begins with a Memorial Day picnic on Sunday, May 24. The Ukrainian American Heritage Foundation dance camp, a day camp, runs June 29 through July 3. A finale performance is offered on Saturday, July 4, at 7 p.m., followed by a “zabava” (dance) to celebrate the Fourth of July weekend.
On Saturday, July 18, Branch 7 of ODWU hosts a Ukrainian cabaret night featuring ethnic foods, a performance by the Kazka Ukrainian Folk Ensemble and music for dancing with Walter Syzonenko. All proceeds from this event benefit the United Ukrainian American Relief Committee.
The highlight of the summer for the Ukrainian Homestead is the annual Ukrainian Festival. This year’s festival is Saturday-Sunday, August 15-16 beginning at noon both days. Featured performers include the Kazka Ukrainian Folk Ensemble, renowned violinist Innesa Tymochko-Dekajlo and accordionist Mr. Syzonenko playing the Saturday evening zabava.
The Ukrainian Homestead, located at 1230 Beaver Run Drive, Lehighton, PA 18235, offers many amenities, which include newly renovated motel rooms, a full service restaurant and a swimming pool with spectacular mountain vista views. Dates are available for weddings, reunions and picnics throughout the summer and fall. For more information on room and facility rentals as well as a full calendar of events, visit www.ukrhomestead.com or contact Homestead administrator, Lesia Stecyna at 215-740-1609 or [email protected].