TUCSON, Ariz. – Each year in October, the city of Tucson draws thousands of people to its now famous Tucson Meet Yourself Festival, in which many ethnic groups participate, sharing their ethnic foods, crafts, dances and songs.
This year again, the Ukrainian American Society and St. Michael Ukrainian Catholic Church of Tucson participated with one of the largest and most colorful exhibits. The Ukrainian display dazzled visitors with embroideries, carvings, ceramics and information about Ukraine.
Yuriy and Lesia Terleckyj prepared a wonderful variety of embroidered ritual cloths (rushnyky), shirts and kylyms. Zenovia Kunasz manned the table adorned with gerdany, ceramics, maps and books on Ukraine.
Woodcarver Zenon Korytko showed his exquisite carved boxes and plates; he has participated in the festival since its inception in 1982. Dr. Ihor Kunasz demonstrated the art of pysanka. Many people tried their hand at this beautiful art while he talked about this old tradition.
David Maciborski manned the very colorful table of St. Michael Church that was decorated with religious items. He discussed with many people the background of the Ukrainian Catholic Church and encouraged them to visit.
Dr. Ihor Kunasz is president of the Ukrainian American Society of Tucson.