25th Ukrainian Festival

Draws A Late-Summer Crowd

The Paproski Christmas Tree Farm on Hattertown Road again became the central meeting point for the 25th annual Ukrainian Festival, sponsored by Holy Protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary Ukrainian Catholic Church in Bridgeport.

Several hundred people attended the event that took place on Sunday, August 26, beginning at 11 am with an outdoor service of Divine Liturgy.

Ukrainian and American foods such as stuffed cabbage, borsch, pyroky, poppy seed pastry, nut rolls, and many other selections were offered all afternoon. The day’s activities will include traditional Ukrainian dancing and songs, hay rides, pony rides, volleyball, a petting zoo, and more.

Zen Balaban enjoys the event sponsored by his church.

“Meeting with friends and catching up on where the summer goes,” he said about why he likes the festival.

Most come for the lavish food they can enjoy as well as the country setting.

“The food, it’s a little bit of the country flavor with pony rides and hay rides,” Ihor Pendakiwskyj said. “It’s a nice mix of Ukrainian and country.”

Allison Milunic and her finance, Andrew Hennessey, wanted to experience the festival. Ms Milunic is part Ukrainian.

“We just wanted to see what a Connecticut one was like,” she said. “The food is great. It tastes very authentic.”