Published: Sep 07, 2022 08:00 AM
Hundreds flocked to Castle Hill Farm Sunday, August 28 to enjoy the sights, sounds, and tastes of the 46th Annual Ukrainian Festival — while remembering and helping raise funds to support Ukraine immigrants affected by the Russian invasion of their country nearly seven months ago.
The event was sponsored by the Blessed Virgin Mary Ukrainian Catholic Church of Bridgeport, which held a service on-site to open the day’s activities.
A variety of Ukrainian and picnic-style foods were served up by members of the parish before and during live performances. Visitors also took in an exhibit of Ukrainian artifacts, perused vendors, and jumped into a huge tractor-drawn cart for hayrides around the property.
Around 2:30 pm, everyone gathered by the farm’s pavilion stage to sing the American and Ukrainian national anthems. It was followed by a moment of silence for the victims in Ukraine.
Father Ivan Mazuryk, who is the pastor at Blessed Virgin Mary Ukrainian Catholic Church, spoke in both English and Ukrainian when he addressed the crowd.
He presented Castle Hill Farm owners Steve and Diana Paproski with an Icon of the Holy Trinity and a gift basket to show his parish’s appreciation for them hosting their event.
Diana thanked Father Mazuryk and everyone who attended the festival, saying “To have all of you come out and support the Ukrainian people, we are humbled. God bless you.”
Father Mazuryk also noted that there were immigrant assistance groups on-site, including the Department of Social Services (DSS) and the Connecticut Institute for Refugees & Immigrants.
A portion of the proceeds from the day’s event was dedicated to aid Ukraine and its refugees.
Reporter Alissa Silber can be reached at alissa@thebee.com.
Young dancers from Stamford perform for a large crowd at the 46th annual Ukrainian Festival at Castle Hill Farm on Sunday, August 28. —Bee Photos, Silber
Diana and Steve Paproski, who own Castle Hill Farm in Newtown, express their gratitude to Father Ivan Mazuryk. He had presented them with an Icon of the Holy Trinity and a gift basket for hosting the 46th Ukrainian Festival on August 28.
At the 46th annual Ukrainian Festival, Gloria P. Horbaty points to various family heirlooms that she preserved in a display case. Items include different Ukrainian Easter Eggs, known as “pysanky,” that she and her mother, Olga Paproski, created.
A steady stream of people went through the food line at the Ukrainian Festival at Castle Hill Farm and were served a variety of authentic Ukrainian cuisine.
Guests of all ages took hayrides around Castle Hill Farm during the Ukrainian Festival on Sunday, August 28.
Newtown High School’s cheerleaders had a tent at the 46th annual Ukrainian Festival, on August 28, where they did face painting and temporary tattoos.
A group of friends came from all throughout Connecticut, including Wallingford and Stamford, to attend the Ukrainian Festival in Newtown for their second time together.
Doctors United For Ukraine, Inc, had a table to educate the public about the organization, as well as for face painting. Alina Kilchytska paints the Ukrainian flag on Maxim Lysak’s face with yellow at the bottom and later blue on the top.
Michael Romaniw, second from right, and Bohdan Doboszczak, far right, from the Blessed Virgin Mary Ukrainian Catholic Church of Bridgeport, cook up liver, bacon, and onions for attendees at the 46th Ukrainian Festival on August 28.
From left is Lauren, Lilly, and Josie Zuvich, of Bethel, at the petting zoo during the 46th Ukrainian Festival at Castle Hill Farm on the afternoon of August 28.
Father Ivan Mazuryk, who is the pastor of Blessed Virgin Mary Ukrainian Catholic Church of Bridgeport that sponsored the festival, thanked everyone for attending.
A handmade sign decorated in blue and yellow ink reads, “Please donate money. All the cash goes to Ukraine.”
