ELLENVILLE, N.Y. – During the holiday weekend of July 1-4, The Ukrainian American Youth Association (UAYA) held its annual Nadiya Ye Festival here at the UAYA Camp and Resort Center. For the sixth consecutive year, UAYA members and non-members gathered from all over North America to enjoy a fun-filled and inspiring weekend of Ukrainian entertainment, food and fun.
Guests gathered on Friday night to enjoy Ukrainian techno music and a laser light show provided by DJ Stas. Saturday included a variety of vendors of Ukrainian apparel, music, crafts and artwork, while the afternoon showcased a performance by Bratya z Karpatya.
In addition, Saturday included an opportunity for UAYA camp participants to meet lead singer Taras Topolia and other members of the main feature act, Antytila from Kyiv. Band members answered questions about their performances on the Maidan in 2013-2014, their ongoing support of the Ukrainian army and their hopes for Ukraine’s future.
On Saturday evening, over 1,000 guests gathered before the outdoor stage to witness Antytila’s premier U.S. performance. An energized crowd flew Ukrainian flags throughout the concert, showing Ukrainian American solidarity and pride for their ancestral homeland. Following Antytila’s performance, evening festivities continued with the sounds of the Svitanok band, which kept guests dancing long into the night.
Sunday began with morning liturgy celebrated by the Rev. Ihor Midzak, chaplain of UAYA, followed by a solemn ceremony, organized by the UAYA and the Organization for the Defense of Four Freedoms for Ukraine, dedicated to Ukrainian heroes, past and current, who have given their lives in the pursuit of freedom and democracy in Ukraine or continue the fight against Vladimir Putin’s regime.
Sunday afternoon and evening concerts featured additional live music by soloists Yulia Vusko and Olga Obertos from Ukraine, and the Iskra Dance Ensemble from Whippany, N.J. Delicious traditional Ukrainian food was available at the outdoor kitchen all weekend.
Overall, this year’s Nadiya Ye Festival was deemed to be a huge success. The festival takes its name from the hit song “Nadiya Ye” (or “There is Hope”) by the Mad Heads, the first band to perform at UAYA’s annual festival, when it was inaugurated six years ago. Year after year, festival organizers aim to provide quality musical entertainment from Ukraine that represents the undying spirit and creativity of the Ukrainian people.
The event would not be possible without the help and support of many volunteers and staff who regularly dedicate their time and efforts to the UAYA Camp and Resort Center.
Members of the Ukrainian American Youth Association meet with members of the rock band Antytila from Ukraine.