Ukrainian Festival Slated August 28

The annual Ukrainian Festival will be held on Sunday, August 28, at the Paproski Christmas Tree Farm at 5 Hattertown Road off of Route 302.

The event begins at 11 am with the Divine Liturgy celebrated by Rev Stepan Yanowski of the Holy Protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary Ukrainian Catholic Church of Bridgeport. The church choir, under the direction of Yaroslav Shumyhora of Bridgeport, will sing the liturgy.

Following the liturgy, Ukrainian foods such as pyrohy (dough stuffed with potato and cheese), holubchi (stuffed cabbage), kobassa and kapucta (fried cabbage), borsht, babka (bread), pompushky (donuts), poppy seed and nut rolls, made by the parish ladies, along with picnic-style foods will be offered for sale.

In honor of the Ukrainian “Orange Revolution” and the election of the new Ukrainian president, a program of Ukrainian songs and dances will be performed. The Kalynonka Children’s Dance Ensemble of Stamford, with 18 participants in full ethnic costumes, will show off fancy Ukrainian footwork. Parish youth and adults will perform skits and songs.

Also featured during the day will be an exhibit of Ukrainian arts and crafts highlighting Ukrainian costumes, embroidery, woodwork and pysanka. A boutique of Ukrainian articles will be on sale and a pysanka demonstration will be shown.

Throughout the afternoon there will be hayrides, pony rides, volleyball and horseshoe games.

The event is open to the public. There is a small donation. Plenty of free, off street parking is available. Bring your own chairs and blankets.

For additional information contact Olga Paproski 426-4017 or the rectory at 203-367-5054.