As friends and family members dined together, children jumped in a bounce house, tractor-pulled hayrides were underway, and dancers swung around each other with flair at the 44th Ukrainian Festival, hosted at Paproski’s Castle Hill Pumpkin Patch on September 15.

The events began with the Divine Liturgy celebrated by Father Ivan Mazuryk, Pastor of the Protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary Ukrainian Catholic Church, Bridgeport, at 11 am. Ukrainian food was prepared by parishioners for the event; vendors sold a range of goods, from jewelry and clothes to souvenirs; and the entire day was highlighted by warm weather under a nearly-clear, sunny sky.

Just after 2 pm, a crowd gathered near a tent as dancers and performances began. Children of all ages entertained the cheering onlookers.

The day was sponsored by the Protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary Ukrainian Catholic Church.