Celebrating Ukrainian independence
POINT DOUGLASRIVERGROVE
Ukrainian Independence Day is both a display of Ukrainian culture and a show of support for Ukraine as its war with Russia stretches into a fourth year.
Organizer Maryka Chabluk extends an invitation for all to attend the celebrations at Access Centre (48 Holland Rd.) in West St. Paul on Sunday, Aug. 24 for a full day of food and entertainment.
But get there early, Chabluk advised, as the first two events were filled to capacity. The free, family-friendly event opens at 1:30 p.m., with programs at 3 and 5 p.m. Prayers for Ukraine are scheduled for 2:30, and a flag unfurling at 4. A zabava, slated for 6:30, promises music, dancing, and sing-alongs. Please bring a chair or blanket and enjoy kids' activities, soccer, a bouncy castle, Ukrainian food, and 35 vendors, along with a beer garden.
Supplied photo
Ukrainian Independence Day will be celebrated at Access Centre (48 Holland Rd.) in West St. Paul on Sunday, Aug. 24 with a full day of food and entertainment.
Chabluk said Independence Day was established in 1991 following the Soviet Union's dissolution, when 92.3 per cent voted for freedom. The agreement was signed on Aug. 24.
'We were very excited that Ukraine had the opportunity to govern itself and was no longer under the auspices of the USSR,' Chabluk said. 'We acknowledge that day and continue to hope that Ukraine maintains independence and has its own government.'
Chabluk said Ukrainian newcomers' spirits are buoyed when they see they are part of a community dedicated to preserving Ukrainian culture. Independence Day celebrations help newcomers integrate into the Ukrainian-Canadian community.
'Craft vendors have become popular,' Chabluk said. 'They have become a lifeline and connection for people who sell these crafts in addition to their day jobs. Mriya, a newcomer youth choir, and Vodohrai, a newcomer adult choir, are also performing.
'It's a nice opportunity for them to continue in the talents they brought with them and to support each other.'
The 4 p.m. flag unfurling promises to be a highlight. Chabluk has ordered a huge flag that the crowd will unfurl as they sing the Ukrainian national anthem, Shche ne vmerla Ukrainy i slava, i volia. An overhead drone will capture the moment.
Supplied photo
Ukrainian Independence Day will be celebrated at Access Centre (48 Holland Rd.) in West St. Paul on Sunday, Aug. 24 with a full day of food and entertainment.
'It's a very emotional opportunity to say we stand with Ukraine and are heartbroken with what exists there now,' Chabluk said. 'Prayer for Ukraine has also become an important part of this day. Peace is what everybody longs for.'
As much as Chabluk and the organizing team give to Independence Day, they get plenty back. During the first celebrations, the groups sang Christmas carols, the same ones taught for generations. An already strong connection was further deepened.
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'Even though we were once thousands of miles apart, we can still share something special,' Chabluk said.
Come for the food, entertainment and fellowship. Buy some traditional food to take home. While there's no charge, feel free to donate to defray costs.
'We're very thrilled to have everybody join us,' Chabluk said. 'We're doing our best to unite the Ukrainian people, whether they've been here three, four, or five years, or they've just arrived.
Supplied photo
Ukrainian Independence Day will be celebrated at Access Centre (48 Holland Rd.) in West St. Paul on Sunday, Aug. 24 with a full day of food and entertainment.
'We're united as one family.'
Sponsorship opportunities are available. To learn more, contact the Ukrainian Canadian Congress at uccmanitoba.ca or 204-942-9348.
Tony ZeruchaEast Kildonan community correspondent
Tony Zerucha is a community correspondent for East Kildonan. Email him at tzerucha@gmail.com
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