Annual Ukrainian Festival Will Welcome All

By Nancy K. Crevier

It is the food that draws more than 500 people every year to the annual Ukrainian Festival on Hattertown Road, said Gloria Horbaty, who along with her mother, Olga Paproski, will welcome Ukrainians and non-Ukrainians alike to a celebration of their heritage on Sunday, August 26.

“We have people who have come some years in the pouring rain just to take some food home,” said Ms Horbaty.

The 29th Annual Ukrainian Festival will take place at the Paproski Tree Farm at 5 Hattertown off of Route 302. The celebration will begin at 11 am with the Divine Liturgy offered by Father Kaszczak of St Mary’s in Bridgeport. The church choir under the direction of Yaroslav Schumyhora will provide the response.

Traditional Ukrainian fare served picnic style will include dozens of cheese and potato or cabbage pyrohy, potato pancakes, kobassa and kapusta, a sausage and fried cabbage dish, holubchi, which is stuffed cabbage, and borscht, a beet soup. Liver and onions, chicken, hot dogs, and hamburgers will also be available to festivalgoers. Ice cream and homemade pastries baked by church members will provide a sweet ending to the feast.

Area performers will present traditional Ukrainian dances, said Mrs Paproski, and church member Maria Lisowitch will lead singing. Musicians will provide entertainment for dancing and singing, as well, she said.

“We also will have the parish youth perform skits and music,” said Mrs Paproski.

Other activities include pony rides, hayrides, volleyball, horseshoes, and other games.

“Many Ukrainians who don’t belong to a Ukrainian church or club come to the event,” said Ms Horbaty. “They want to show their children their heritage.”

“They wake up,” added Mrs Paproski.

There is a $2 admission charge for parking in the field located just off of Hattertown Road. The public is encouraged to bring chairs and blankets for comfortable accommodations while enjoying the 11 am to dusk festival. For further information, 426-4017