Day in the park showcases culture
Dance, costumes, exhibits, food and lots of fun all part of Ukrainian celebration
Viktor Skihar says that when he came to Canada almost 20 years ago, he was surprised to see the Ukrainian culture so alive here.
“I’m glad that now I’m a part of the Ukrainian community,” he said on Saturday at the annual Ukrainian Day in the Park, which took place along the river at Rotary Park in Saskatoon.
Across the park from the main stage was the cultural exhibit, which Skihar (who is originally from Ukraine) helped organize and run during the day in the park.
“We are a big part of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, all of Canada,” Skihar said. “We would like to show our identity, and show how multinational Canada is.”
Most of the cultural exhibits consisted of bright outfits and photos lining the tent walls — many of them showcasing the costumes and abilities of different Ukrainian dance troupes.
Saskatoon plays host to a number of different Ukrainian dance groups, including Pavlychenko and the Yevshan folk ballet ensemble. The main stage at the event hosted traditional singers and dancers throughout Saturday afternoon.
And at the day in the park, you didn’t have to be a professional to try out a few dance steps. Sebastian Gardulski and Marina Sorokotiaguine with the Yevshan dance group walked young children through a few simple dance steps near the children’s area.
“Ukrainians like to dance when they’re happy; they like to dance when they’re sad,” Gardulski said. “There’s always music playing. There’s always dancing.”
Sorokotiaguine said dance is a unique way to “express your roots,” and that Ukrainian dancing is deeply rooted in the Ukrainian culture.
“It gives you such an amazing feeling to show where you come from, where your roots are from,” Sorokotiaguine said. “Living in Saskatchewan, it’s a big Ukrainian community.”
There were plenty of opportunities for food at the event, including some food trucks and (of course) perogies. There was even an eating contest for the Ukrainian favourite on the main stage.
But according to Gardulski, the most important part of the day was that it showcased what the Ukrainian community had to offer — whether it be food, or dance or just fun.
“It doesn’t matter if you’re ... from anywhere in the world. You can be Ukrainian for a day,” he said.