TORONTO – North America’s largest celebration of the 28th anniversary of Ukrainian independence, organized by the Ukrainian Canadian Congress – Toronto Branch, took place in Toronto at Centennial Park on Saturday August 24.
The event was blessed with beautiful weather, attended by thousands, greeted by representatives from the federal, provincial and municipal governments, charmed by songstress Oksana Mukha – “The Voice of Ukraine” – and featured the country’s top dance and vocal ensembles.
The crowds started pouring in at 10 a.m. to enjoy many vendors’ booths, displays, Ukrainian food and a succession of prominent entertainment. They watched as Ms. Mukha mesmerized the huge audience and then danced the night away under the stars to the music of the band Dunai.
The UCC Toronto, together with its very generous sponsors, again had the pleasure of hosting this special event that this year fell on the exact anniversary date of Ukraine’s declaration of independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. As echoed in the remarks given at center stage, the battle for freedom continues and the spirit of Ukraine will never be weakened.
After prayers and blessings, UCC Toronto President Taras Bahriy opened the ceremonies and welcomed the crowd, introducing this year’s theme, “100 Years of Struggle for Freedom.”
Ukraine’s Ambassador to Canada Andriy Shevchenko, delivered greetings; he was accompanied by Sviatoslav Kavetskyi, consul general of Ukraine and Col. Victor Siromakha, Ukrainian defense attaché.
Kirsty Duncan, Canada’s minister of science and sports, spoke to the community and was joined by Members of Parliament Peter Fonseca, Julie Dzerowicz, Borys Wrzesnewskyj, James Maloney and Liberal candidate Yvan Baker. A great friend to the Ukrainian community, MP James Bezan, offered compassionate greetings and was joined by conservative candidates Ted Opitz, Krystina Waler, Barry O’Brien Candidate, Wladyslaw Lizon and Adam Pham.
On the provincial level, Kinga Surma, associate minister of transportation, greeted the crowd along with Members of the Provincial Parliament Christine Hogarth and Rasheed Kaleed. Deputy Mayor Stephen Holyday brought greetings from the City of Toronto, which now hosts the Holodomor Memorial Park at Exhibition Place in the city’s downtown area.
In her closing remarks, Alexandra Chyczij, national president of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress, thanked all levels of the Canadian government for standing in support of Ukraine.
The afternoon was expertly emceed by Larysa Bajus and Myron Konyk.
The special guest performer from Ukraine, “Voice of Ukraine” winner Ms. Mukha, gave an unforgettable performance. The vibrant and colourful concert program and stage show included Toronto’s renowned dance ensembles, Barvinok, Desna, Kalyna, Ukraina and Vesnyanka; The Regimental Band and Bugles of The Queen’s Own Rifles; and vocalists Otava and the duo of Ihor and Adrianna Artemiak.
The shopping bazaar featured embroidered blouses, jewelry and arts vendors. The Ukrainian Canadian School Board provided the Children’s Amusement Center, which included inflatables, games and crafts. A large classroom bus displaying and teaching the history of the Holodomor was a moving attraction for those desiring to learn about the 1932-1933 genocidal famine in Ukraine.
The day was concluded with a lively outdoor “zabava” (dance) at the Carpathian Lounge, where a capacity crowd danced to the music of Dunai.
The UCC-Toronto Independence Day organizing committee and a team of hard-working volunteers spent six months planning the Ukrainian Independence Day event, then came on Friday to set up the event, ran it all day Saturday and completed the take-down and clean-up on Sunday.
Special thanks were extended to the Ukrainian Canadian Women’s Council, Toronto Branch, together with the Ukrainian Women’s Organization of Canada, League of Ukrainian Women in Canada, Ukrainian Catholic Women’s League of Canada and Ukrainian Women’s Association of Canada for their tireless work at the entrance and information gate. The Toronto branch of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress thanked all sponsors, honored guests and the community for participating in the day’s events.
All were invited to join the UCC Toronto in planning next year’s Ukrainian Independence Day celebration.
Nadia Prokopiw is director of media relations for the Toronto branch of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress.