The 44th Ukrainian Festival will take place Sunday, September 15, at Paproski’s Castle Hill Pumpkin Patch, 25 Sugar Lane (off Route 302).

The event begins at 11 am with the Divine Liturgy celebrated by Father Ivan Mazuryk, Pastor of the Protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary Ukrainian Catholic Church, Bridgeport.

Immediately after, the Ukrainian Kitchen opens with Ukrainian food made by the parish women: varenyky (pyrogies), holubchi (stuffed cabbage), kobassa (kielbasa) with kapusta (sweet fried cabbage), nalysnyky (blintzes), shishkebab, along with picnic-style food, including the famous liver and onion sandwiches and homemade desserts.

At 2:30 pm, a lively program of Ukrainian entertainment will begin with the Kolynonka Ukrainian Dance Group of Stamford, the singing duet of sisters Korenovsky, vocalists Brothers from Carpartha, among others dressed in Ukrainian traditional costumes.

There also will be an exhibit of Ukrainian arts and crafts and vendors selling Ukrainian artifacts, including embroidered blouses, ceramics, icons, paintings, jewelry, pysanky, Ukrainian dressed bears, souvenirs, and more.

Other activities throughout the day include hayrides, petting zoo, moon walk, volleyball tournaments, and soccer.

A Zabava (dance music) will be provided.

Admission is by donation, and there is plenty of free, off-street parking. The festival takes place rain or shine.

The day is sponsored by the Protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary Ukrainian Catholic Church of Bridgeport.

For information, contact Gloria Horbaty (203-269-5909) or Stephen Paproski (203-426-5487).