Ukrainian Festival Returns This Weekend To Hattertown

The 35th annual Ukrainian Festival will be held Sunday, August 29, at Paproski’s Christmas Tree Farm, 5 Hattertown Road.

The day begins at 11 am, with the Divine Liturgy said by Father Mihal Dubovici, pastor of the Protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary Ukrainian Catholic Church, Bridgeport. The church choir, under the direction of Jaroslav Shumyhora, will sing the responses.

Ukrainian food including varenyky (potato dumplings like pyrogies), holubchi (stuffed cabbage), kobassa (kielbasa) and kapucta (sweet fried cabbage), made by the parish women, under the direction of Taras Slevinsky and Yaroslava Kovach, will be available for purchase, along with picnic-style food, including their famous liver and onion sandwiches.

A lively program will begin at 2:30 pm, consisting of spirited ethnic Ukrainian dance performed by Kolononka Children’s Dance Group of Stamford in colorful Ukrainian costumes, and an array of Ukrainian songs and music by parishioners. A Zabava (dance) will follow the program.

There will also be an exhibit of Ukrainian arts and crafts coordinated by Gloria and Chrystyna Horbaty.

Other activities throughout the day, organized by Stephen and Diana Paproski, will include volleyball and horseshoe tournaments, hayrides, corn maze, pony rides, petting zoo, Moon Walk, chess, and a Varenyky Eating Contest.

Admission is $2. There is plenty of free, off-street parking and the festival will be held rain or shine.

For information, call Gloria P. Horbaty at 203-269-5909 or Stephen Paproski at 203-426-5487.