Ukrainian Culture Savored

At Annual Festival In Rustic Setting

By Andrew Gorosko

Several hundred Ukrainian Americans and others gathered Sunday, August 26, at Paproski’s Tree Farm on Hattertown Road in Dodgingtown for an annual celebration of Ukrainian culture.

The picnic is sponsored by Holy Protection of The Blessed Virgin Mary Ukrainian Catholic Church in Bridgeport, with Olga Paproksi as the hostess.

Ms Paproski, aided by her family, organizes the event, which draws Ukrainians from the region to socialize, eat Ukrainian food, and savor Ukrainian culture.

Ukraine, which is the second largest country in Europe, borders the Black Sea. It became an independent nation in 1991, after the Soviet Union’s collapse.

Those attending the event, which ran from 11 am to dusk, participated in a variety of activities.

A priest celebrated a Mass at the start of the event. 

The religious and cultural celebration featured a variety of foods popular in the Ukraine. Ukrainian arts and crafts were displayed, as were costumes, embroidery, and woodworking. The event provides church members with an opportunity for socializing and recreation in a rustic environment.

Picnic-style food at the vent included pyrohy, potato pancakes, kobassa, kapusta, holubchi, borscht, and liver and onions, plus American fare.

Singing, dancing, and the performance of skits provided entertainment for festivalgoers.

Activities at the event included hayrides, horseshoe pitching, volleyball, and pony rides.