| Copyright 2005, UCCA- Illinois Division Katya Mischenko-Mycyk, webmaster |
UCCA- Illinois Division
Ukrainian Congress Committee of America, Inc.
Ukrainian Days Festival 2005, Chicago - August 20-21, 2005>
| A taste of Ukraine in the heart of Chicago! |
| "Every year, this Festival is organized with the intention of providing an opportunity for people to get together, have a good time and show solidarity as one big Ukrainian family." |
EVENT IN CHICAGO: THE HOLIDAY WHICH IS NOT
ON THE AMERICAN CALENDAR
Report from the Ukrainian Festival in Chicago:
Dedicated to the 14th Anniversary of Ukrainian
Independence by Anatoly Gorochovsky
First Day
On the official American calendar there is no
mention of the Ukrainian national holiday and
that’s why you will look for it there without success.
Presently the democratic leaders of American
federal and local governmental bodies not only
permit national minorities to freely commemorate
their holidays but also support their celebrations.
In Chicago there exist many national communities
including Ukrainian, Polish, Chinese, Jewish, and
Mexican. Frequently on the major thoroughfares
you can see finely formed columns of cheerful
people, who with great satisfaction observe their
traditional holidays.
I remember very well a day a while ago when I
took part in a march of representatives of the
Ukrainian community dedicated to the approval of
the historical act of the vote for independence for
Ukraine by the Verhovna Rada.
People who live in the Ukrainian Village, carrying
Ukrainian and American flags, church banners
and icons, demonstrated their happiness on the
occasion of the long waited for victory over the
depressing strength of the imperialists.
With the memory of that event every year I,
together with the Ukrainian community in Chicago,
one of the largest in America, commemorate the
date of the birth of independent Ukraine. Among
some politicians and historians there are
assertions that Ukrainian independence was
declared back in 1918. Thus the act that the
Verhovna Rada approved on the 24th of August,
1991 was supposedly a ratification of the prior
approved document. I think that it is not worth it to
get into a discussion about which date is the
original because it does not change the
importance of this political event.
Over the past several years the celebration of
Ukrainian Independence Day by the Chicago
Ukrainian community occurs within the national
festival which lasts two days and takes place in a
park which is located near the Ukrainian Village.
Preparation for the festival is undertaken by a
committee appointed by the Ukrainian Congress
Committee of America, Illinois Division (UCCA)
which is comprised of representatives of
Ukrainian community organizations in Chicago.
This year marked the third consecutive year that
Pavlo Bandriwsky, Vice President of UCCA, was
the chairman of the festival committee.
And finally the long awaited opening day of the
festival occurred. That afternoon in Smith Park
thousands gathered to celebrate the holiday.
Before the start of the official program participants
has an opportunity to shop and buy the latest
fashions in clothes and shoes, jewelry, traditional
woodcarvings, original oil paintings, musical discs
and much more. A record number of vendors took
part in this year’s festival. In a word it resembled a
miniature Sorochinsky Yarmorok, which took place
at the same time in Poltava.
In addition, the activities of various mass media
are worthy of mention. Representatives of radio
programs told their listeners about their
involvement and invited them to take part in their
lotteries. And there were crowds around the
newspaper tents. Colleagues from the Ukrainian
newspapers “Chas i Podiyi”, “Ukrainske Slovo”
and “Viche” gave out their latest publications to
readers, and listened to their recommendations
and wishes.
During the festival, which occurred on Saturday 20
August and Sunday 21 August, participants were
able to feast on foods prepared by four different
restaurants and hide from the hot sun under an
expanded covered dining area.
At the appointed time Festival Chairman Pavlo
Bandriwsky greeted the guests. When the official
opening was concluded the stage was filled with
music, singers, dancers and masters of oratory.
Vasyl Popadiuk, the violin virtuoso from Canada
enchanted the audience with his music. Loud
applause rewarded sopilka and tsymbala player
Vasyl Perovanchuk, dance group Mriya (CYM
Chicago), and men’s quartet Zhaivir.
Then introduced in turn were singers were
Nastya Lotocky, Halyna Shtohryn and Liliya
Tkachik. The hearts of Festival participants were
moved by the poetry recitals of Hannusya Romakh.
Sonia from Nashville and the Vinok Quartet added
to the festivities, followed by more entertainment
late into the evening.
Second Day
Once again people filled the park, this time
bringing their families; for children a special
attractions corner was set up which including free
pony rides, a petting zoo and an inflatable bounce
room. This gave their parents an opportunity to
meet with their friends or participate in the many
sporting contests including soccer, volleyball,
chess and checkers tournaments.
Guests were invited for the official program on the
main stage which displayed the Ukrainian and
American flags on each side. The official
commemoration was opened by Orest Baranyk,
UCCA Illinois Division President.
“A year ago” said the speaker “in this park we
celebrated Ukrainian Independence Day. Then, if
you remember, we spoke about the leaders of the
country playing outlaw games and expressed our
expectations that our nation would elect as
leaders true patriots like Viktor Yushchenko, who
will lead the country down a different path: improve
the standard of living of the people, and take the
path to democratic rebirth.”
“And our expectations came true. Now in Ukraine,
preparations for the Verhovna Rada elections are
taking place, which will occur in March of next year.
UCCA is appealing to the entire Ukrainian
community to actively participate in this important
political campaign, to elect true Ukrainian patriots
to the parliament.” The national anthems of the
United States and Ukraine were stridently played,
followed by a prayer given by Bishop Innocent
Lotocky.
Greetings and resolutions were read from Mayor
Richard Daley and Governor Rod Blagojevich.
Acting Consul General of Ukraine in Chicago Oleh
Shevchenko spoke about the current political
situation in Ukraine, about economic reform,
which is being carried out by the country’s new
leaders, and the expanding contacts between the
homeland and Ukrainians in the American
diaspora. He thanked the community for their
active participation in the presidential elections.
The audience warmly greeted the words of Marta
Farion, Chairman of the Chicago-Kyiv Sister City
Program who said “The slogan which was born
on Independence Square ‘Together we are many,
we will not be defeated’ should once again be
heard as we are preparing for the parliamentary
elections.”
Those present listened with great interest to the
presentation by Volodymyr Polovchak, who 25
years ago, as a twelve year old boy refused to
return with his parents to the Soviet Union and
asked the American government to give him
political asylum. The Ukrainian community rose up
in support of this young fellow and successfully
Volodymyr was able to stay in America.
Over the years he completed his education,
began his career, bought a home, got married and
is now raising two children. On the whole what
helped him succeed was the support of the
Ukrainian community and especially his attorney,
Julian Kulas.
“I would like to take this opportunity” said
Volodymyr “to thank everyone who helped me get
on my feet. I greet everyone on this occasion of our
national holiday and wish that Ukraine in the near
future becomes one of the great European
nations”.
An event of this magnitude could not be possible
without support from financial patrons. The
premier sponsors of the Ukrainian Festival were
MB Financial Bank, Selfreliance Ukrainian
American Federal Credit Union and UBC TV. The
latter provided a 200 square foot video screen
which simultaneously broadcast performances
from the main stage, that many said reminded
them of the Maidan during the Orange Revolution.
After the official program the great concert started,
led off by the Berkut wind orchestra, directed by
Bohdan Skavinsky. Yaroslav Bodnar, who is well
known in Chicago for his humorous programs,
followed. He read several verses from his recently
published book of poetry for the festival
participants.
Many years ago the Surma choir was formed and
performed many concerts throughout America.
Many audiences in Ukraine, Canada and other
countries saw them. For the holiday the choir
under the direction of Zeonid Modrycky performed
a melody of Ukrainian songs. An engaging
moment of the celebration was a performance by
the African-American pastor Achmed who
passionately sang a Ukrainian song ‘Ya tebe
l’ublu’.
Tremendously successful was the CYM Palatine
dance group Iskra. The young performers, no
older than 6-8 years of age, danced an
outstanding Hopak, which is not easy for much
older dancers. In appreciation of their
presentation, the audience gave them a standing
ovation which lasted for quite a while.
A ex- L’vivyan followed in the concert. Halyna
Horobyanska, a former performer in the
Krusheknitska Opera Theater and Ballet,
declaimed a classic verse and a Ukrainian
national song. Former members of the Berkut
orchestra who performed in the same theater
include Bohdan Horbyansky, Roman Maksimiv
and Bohdan Skavinsky.
Next was the flourishing presentation of singer
Volodymyr Duda, vocal instrumental group Mriya
under the direction of Mychajlo Demberetsky and
musical group Karpatsky Zori directed by Ihor
Chytry. The world famous Hromovytsia Dance
Ensemble performed several dances which were
rewarded with thunderous applause.
Well into the late hours music echoed throughout
the park while people danced and celebrated.
Everything that happened over the two festival days
reflected the position of the Ukrainian government
which directed that the holiday be celebrated
accordingly: in front of statues-lay wreaths, to God-
say prayers, for people-awards and concerts,
cities-fireworks.
Thus the Ukrainian national holiday which is not
found on the American calendar was celebrated in
Chicago, with nearly 15,000 participants.
ON THE AMERICAN CALENDAR
Report from the Ukrainian Festival in Chicago:
Dedicated to the 14th Anniversary of Ukrainian
Independence by Anatoly Gorochovsky
First Day
On the official American calendar there is no
mention of the Ukrainian national holiday and
that’s why you will look for it there without success.
Presently the democratic leaders of American
federal and local governmental bodies not only
permit national minorities to freely commemorate
their holidays but also support their celebrations.
In Chicago there exist many national communities
including Ukrainian, Polish, Chinese, Jewish, and
Mexican. Frequently on the major thoroughfares
you can see finely formed columns of cheerful
people, who with great satisfaction observe their
traditional holidays.
I remember very well a day a while ago when I
took part in a march of representatives of the
Ukrainian community dedicated to the approval of
the historical act of the vote for independence for
Ukraine by the Verhovna Rada.
People who live in the Ukrainian Village, carrying
Ukrainian and American flags, church banners
and icons, demonstrated their happiness on the
occasion of the long waited for victory over the
depressing strength of the imperialists.
With the memory of that event every year I,
together with the Ukrainian community in Chicago,
one of the largest in America, commemorate the
date of the birth of independent Ukraine. Among
some politicians and historians there are
assertions that Ukrainian independence was
declared back in 1918. Thus the act that the
Verhovna Rada approved on the 24th of August,
1991 was supposedly a ratification of the prior
approved document. I think that it is not worth it to
get into a discussion about which date is the
original because it does not change the
importance of this political event.
Over the past several years the celebration of
Ukrainian Independence Day by the Chicago
Ukrainian community occurs within the national
festival which lasts two days and takes place in a
park which is located near the Ukrainian Village.
Preparation for the festival is undertaken by a
committee appointed by the Ukrainian Congress
Committee of America, Illinois Division (UCCA)
which is comprised of representatives of
Ukrainian community organizations in Chicago.
This year marked the third consecutive year that
Pavlo Bandriwsky, Vice President of UCCA, was
the chairman of the festival committee.
And finally the long awaited opening day of the
festival occurred. That afternoon in Smith Park
thousands gathered to celebrate the holiday.
Before the start of the official program participants
has an opportunity to shop and buy the latest
fashions in clothes and shoes, jewelry, traditional
woodcarvings, original oil paintings, musical discs
and much more. A record number of vendors took
part in this year’s festival. In a word it resembled a
miniature Sorochinsky Yarmorok, which took place
at the same time in Poltava.
In addition, the activities of various mass media
are worthy of mention. Representatives of radio
programs told their listeners about their
involvement and invited them to take part in their
lotteries. And there were crowds around the
newspaper tents. Colleagues from the Ukrainian
newspapers “Chas i Podiyi”, “Ukrainske Slovo”
and “Viche” gave out their latest publications to
readers, and listened to their recommendations
and wishes.
During the festival, which occurred on Saturday 20
August and Sunday 21 August, participants were
able to feast on foods prepared by four different
restaurants and hide from the hot sun under an
expanded covered dining area.
At the appointed time Festival Chairman Pavlo
Bandriwsky greeted the guests. When the official
opening was concluded the stage was filled with
music, singers, dancers and masters of oratory.
Vasyl Popadiuk, the violin virtuoso from Canada
enchanted the audience with his music. Loud
applause rewarded sopilka and tsymbala player
Vasyl Perovanchuk, dance group Mriya (CYM
Chicago), and men’s quartet Zhaivir.
Then introduced in turn were singers were
Nastya Lotocky, Halyna Shtohryn and Liliya
Tkachik. The hearts of Festival participants were
moved by the poetry recitals of Hannusya Romakh.
Sonia from Nashville and the Vinok Quartet added
to the festivities, followed by more entertainment
late into the evening.
Second Day
Once again people filled the park, this time
bringing their families; for children a special
attractions corner was set up which including free
pony rides, a petting zoo and an inflatable bounce
room. This gave their parents an opportunity to
meet with their friends or participate in the many
sporting contests including soccer, volleyball,
chess and checkers tournaments.
Guests were invited for the official program on the
main stage which displayed the Ukrainian and
American flags on each side. The official
commemoration was opened by Orest Baranyk,
UCCA Illinois Division President.
“A year ago” said the speaker “in this park we
celebrated Ukrainian Independence Day. Then, if
you remember, we spoke about the leaders of the
country playing outlaw games and expressed our
expectations that our nation would elect as
leaders true patriots like Viktor Yushchenko, who
will lead the country down a different path: improve
the standard of living of the people, and take the
path to democratic rebirth.”
“And our expectations came true. Now in Ukraine,
preparations for the Verhovna Rada elections are
taking place, which will occur in March of next year.
UCCA is appealing to the entire Ukrainian
community to actively participate in this important
political campaign, to elect true Ukrainian patriots
to the parliament.” The national anthems of the
United States and Ukraine were stridently played,
followed by a prayer given by Bishop Innocent
Lotocky.
Greetings and resolutions were read from Mayor
Richard Daley and Governor Rod Blagojevich.
Acting Consul General of Ukraine in Chicago Oleh
Shevchenko spoke about the current political
situation in Ukraine, about economic reform,
which is being carried out by the country’s new
leaders, and the expanding contacts between the
homeland and Ukrainians in the American
diaspora. He thanked the community for their
active participation in the presidential elections.
The audience warmly greeted the words of Marta
Farion, Chairman of the Chicago-Kyiv Sister City
Program who said “The slogan which was born
on Independence Square ‘Together we are many,
we will not be defeated’ should once again be
heard as we are preparing for the parliamentary
elections.”
Those present listened with great interest to the
presentation by Volodymyr Polovchak, who 25
years ago, as a twelve year old boy refused to
return with his parents to the Soviet Union and
asked the American government to give him
political asylum. The Ukrainian community rose up
in support of this young fellow and successfully
Volodymyr was able to stay in America.
Over the years he completed his education,
began his career, bought a home, got married and
is now raising two children. On the whole what
helped him succeed was the support of the
Ukrainian community and especially his attorney,
Julian Kulas.
“I would like to take this opportunity” said
Volodymyr “to thank everyone who helped me get
on my feet. I greet everyone on this occasion of our
national holiday and wish that Ukraine in the near
future becomes one of the great European
nations”.
An event of this magnitude could not be possible
without support from financial patrons. The
premier sponsors of the Ukrainian Festival were
MB Financial Bank, Selfreliance Ukrainian
American Federal Credit Union and UBC TV. The
latter provided a 200 square foot video screen
which simultaneously broadcast performances
from the main stage, that many said reminded
them of the Maidan during the Orange Revolution.
After the official program the great concert started,
led off by the Berkut wind orchestra, directed by
Bohdan Skavinsky. Yaroslav Bodnar, who is well
known in Chicago for his humorous programs,
followed. He read several verses from his recently
published book of poetry for the festival
participants.
Many years ago the Surma choir was formed and
performed many concerts throughout America.
Many audiences in Ukraine, Canada and other
countries saw them. For the holiday the choir
under the direction of Zeonid Modrycky performed
a melody of Ukrainian songs. An engaging
moment of the celebration was a performance by
the African-American pastor Achmed who
passionately sang a Ukrainian song ‘Ya tebe
l’ublu’.
Tremendously successful was the CYM Palatine
dance group Iskra. The young performers, no
older than 6-8 years of age, danced an
outstanding Hopak, which is not easy for much
older dancers. In appreciation of their
presentation, the audience gave them a standing
ovation which lasted for quite a while.
A ex- L’vivyan followed in the concert. Halyna
Horobyanska, a former performer in the
Krusheknitska Opera Theater and Ballet,
declaimed a classic verse and a Ukrainian
national song. Former members of the Berkut
orchestra who performed in the same theater
include Bohdan Horbyansky, Roman Maksimiv
and Bohdan Skavinsky.
Next was the flourishing presentation of singer
Volodymyr Duda, vocal instrumental group Mriya
under the direction of Mychajlo Demberetsky and
musical group Karpatsky Zori directed by Ihor
Chytry. The world famous Hromovytsia Dance
Ensemble performed several dances which were
rewarded with thunderous applause.
Well into the late hours music echoed throughout
the park while people danced and celebrated.
Everything that happened over the two festival days
reflected the position of the Ukrainian government
which directed that the holiday be celebrated
accordingly: in front of statues-lay wreaths, to God-
say prayers, for people-awards and concerts,
cities-fireworks.
Thus the Ukrainian national holiday which is not
found on the American calendar was celebrated in
Chicago, with nearly 15,000 participants.
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