UKRAINIAN DAY IN THE PARK

Today’s event, which runs from 11:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Kiwanis Park, is free and open to all ages and nationalities. Jenn Sharp suggests five reasons you should take it in.

1 Ukrainian culture

The event is Saskatchewan’s largest outdoor Ukrainian festival, and grows each year. Just under 10,000 attended in 2016 and festival chair David Prokopchuk expects that number to grow.

The Saskatoon branch of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress runs the event each year, along with about 170 volunteers, to ensure the festival is free. The goal of the event is to celebrate the unique traditions of Ukrainians and welcome their neighbours and friends.

“It shows the volunteerism and the hospitality of Ukrainian culture. These people give freely of their time to share their culture,” says Prokopchuk.

2 Ukrainian dancing

One of the highlights of Ukrainian Day in the Park is the outstanding dance performances. Dancers from schools in Saskatoon and throughout the province will be on stage entertaining crowds with the energy and movement associated with Ukrainian dance. Prokopchuk says that building confidence and responsibility from an early age in these dancers helps build future leaders: “They’re learning from an early age you have to give back to the community.”

3 Perogies!

You can’t go to Ukrainian Day in the Park without filling up on a plate of homemade favourites, like perogies, cabbage rolls and sausage. Or perhaps you’d like to try something new, like beet niks. The delicious little rolls are made by wrapping a piece of bread dough in beet leaves, then frying in a dill and onion cream sauce. And hopefully you won’t have to wait too long in the food lineups this year. A second major food vendor has been added to the 2017 event.

4 Children’s activities

The little ones will be entertained all day with face painting, bouncy castles and a craft tent with a Ukrainian theme. Children’s author Marion Mutala, of the Baba’s Babushka series, will be giving a reading during the day as well.

5 Canada 150 celebration

Ukrainians and Saskatchewan’s Indigenous community have a long tradition together. In the 1800s, when Ukrainians faced oppression and starvation in Europe, many fled to Canada. Indigenous people helped the new Ukrainians in Saskatchewan adapt to the harsh climate and taught them necessary survival skills. The treaty commissioner will be on site at Ukrainian Day in the Park, alongside displays explaining that we are all treaty people. A hoop dancer will perform on stage with one of the Ukrainian dance troupes to recognize the ties between the two communities and the bond they share.