Ukrainian Culture Featured At 35th Annual Festival

By Andrew Gorosko

Area residents of Ukrainian descent and others supportive of Ukrainian culture gathered on a clear, hot summer day at a Hattertown farm last Sunday to savor the food and folkways of that Eastern European region.

The 35th Annual Ukrainian festival was held at Paproski Christmas Tree Farm at 5 Hattertown Road.

The day’s events started with the Divine Liturgy of The Mass conducted by The Right Reverend Mitred Archpriest Mihai Dubovici and Deacon John Wanat. They are affiliated with Protection of The Blessed Virgin Mary Ukrainian Catholic Church of Bridgeport. The festival is a church fundraiser.

The church’s choir, as directed by Jaroslav Shumyhora, participated in the services.

The day’s activities highlighted aspects of Ukrainian culture, especially Ukrainian cuisine. The food items included potato dumplings, stuffed cabbage, kielbasa-style sausage, sweet fried cabbage, and succulent liver/onion sandwiches.

The Kolomonka Children’s Dance Group of Stamford while dressed in vivid Ukrainian costumes performed for those present.

Also, Ukrainian arts and crafts were on display.

Activities included volleyball matches, horseshoe competitions, hayrides, pony rides, a petting zoo, chess, and a contest to learn who could eat the most potato dumplings.

An inflatable amusement device known as Moon Walk, within which small children bounce up and down, was positioned at the festival.

Festival organizer Gloria Paproski Horbaty deemed this year’s festival was a success, attracting many people of Ukrainian descent from Newtown, Danbury, and Brewster.