Inaugural Regina Ukrainian Fall Fest Celebrations a Hit!

Ukrainian community has contributed $1,000,000 locally in programming and donations

All photos: Oksanna Zwarych

October 31, 2010 -- Amid an unusually rainy summer, the 1st Regina Ukrainian Fall Fest was blessed with a lovely, sunny day to celebrate Ukrainian culture and its people's contributions to Canadian society. Over 2000 people attended the celebrations throughout the day, including several dignitaries and honoured guests.

Deputy Premier Ken Krawetz

A meaningful Opening Program brought attention to the contributions people of Ukrainian heritage have made in Canada since their arrival. Four flag bearers, who represented the thousands of Ukrainian people who served Canada, whether during time of war or peace, were acknowledged: Alex Patryluk, Mike Burianyk, Harry Prystai, and Tony Harras.

The Ukrainian community in Canada has earned great respect and has not only partnered but participated with and in government at all levels. Especially significant was having Deputy Premier Ken Krawetz, who along with Ralph Goodale (MP Regina Wascana), Ray Boughen (MP Moose Jaw Palliser, representative of the Federal Government), and Michael Fougere (City Councillor), brought greetings of their respective offices. Though unable to attend the festival, Senator Raynell Andreychuk who was attending to her duties in India, sent written greetings and support for the day.

Major festival supporters being acknowledged: Standing is UCC-SPC President Ed Lysyk

Representatives of the festival’s major financial supporters were also in attendance: Rose Gilkes (General Manager, SaskCulture), Lesia Szwaluk (Executive Director, Ukrainian Canadian Foundation of Taras Shevchenko), Ed Lysyk (President, UCC SPC), Orest Warnyca (Branch President, UCC-Regina). Also introduced were Mike Tate (Molson Breweries), Desiree Wright (A1 RentAlls); & Tia Monka (Saskatchewan Science Centre) whose businesses/corporations significantly partnered with the festival.

The festival also focused on recognizing Regina members and organizations which have contributed not only in the usual ways of time and talents, but also have provided significant financial and leadership support to community development. Often overlooked is that over the past 70 years, UCC-Regina Branch and its member organizations have faithfully contributed well over a million dollars in programming and donations within and beyond the cultural community. This support has enhanced the social, cultural, linguistic, academic, spiritual, and performing arts areas in the diverse multicultural Regina community that it is today. In addition, many UCC-RB organizational members provided displays that educated the public about their programming and which were an excellent opportunity to solicit interest. An informative display featured community leaders who made a significant impact. Since 1995, 16 individuals from Regina have received the UCC-SPC Nation Builders Award.

Another way of featuring the contributions and achievements of our people was in the area of performing arts. Talented performers of Ukrainian heritage, many of whom share a tie to Regina, provided an interesting and varied program. Traditional dance groups, talented singers, musicians, and even a national Champion baton twirler graced the stage and impressed the audience for a memorable day!

Ridna Shkola performs

During the breaks, cultural displays and demonstrations provided a welcome opportunity to learn of artistic cultural expressions. Ludmila Coombes provided an interesting workshop on Ukrainian reverse painting on glass. Susan Korneychuk led a session on making ritual bread ornamentation from dough, which drew many curious observers to try their hand at making doves, roses, etcetera. Sharon Harras, an established artist in many areas of Ukrainian arts, demonstrated traditional loom weaving that many found fascinating. Attendees also found the Byzantine Rite display uniquely refreshing.

Above left, ritual breads display; above right, Ludmila Coombes glass painting workshop

The festival had many free activities to offer families. The Saskatchewan Science Centre shared their ‘hands on’ activity area with attendees. A petting zoo was also very popular, as were the games, facepainting, and many other activities. Ukrainian translations were provided for the Science Centre and Petting Zoo activities, which were greatly appreciated by many.

For those hungry, thirsty, or wanting to take a souvenir home with them, a cultural foods tent, concession, refreshing beverage gardens, and a boutique vendor area satisfied all cravings! A festival zabava was held at the UNF hall following the day’s celebrations, and proved to be a great ending to a great day!

The event received significant media attention and highly positive feedback. Congratulations to the Committee on a job well done! Plans are already underway for next year. The Regina Ukrainian Fall Fest is now on Facebook: photos have been posted; “Like us” and receive our updates. Those interested in participating in next year’s event either as a volunteer, entertainer, Committee member, vendor or sponsor, can contact the Committee with their message under the ” Volunteers” tab on the festival’s website: www.uccruff.ca.

Members of the RUFF 2010 Planning Committee

The Regina Ukrainian Fall Fest Committee extends its deepest gratitude to SaskCulture, Taras Shevchenko Foundation, UCC-SPC Community Development Fund, our Regina Branch, and the many organizations, business people, entertainers, and volunteers, who, together, ensured the success of a great day!

Photo gallery (30 photos by Oksanna Zwarych)