Veselka festival ready to show a taste of Ukraine

Kathlyn Tessier, 13, has been in Ukrainian dancing with the Barveenok Ukrainian Dancers for 6 years.

“It symbolizes my background because my mom is Ukrainian,” said Tessier. “My favourite part is learning the new steps and learning new dances.”

Tessier said she is really looking forward to being part of the festivities.

“This weekend will be really fun and really cool to watch,” she said. “I’m looking forward to dancing because I really like performing and representing my Ukrainian passion.”

There are different costumes for different regions of Ukraine, according to Tessier, who said the type of costume she wears feature coins as beads, aprons and long blouses.

Besides dancing, Tessier said there is definitely another upside to getting involved with different events.

“I get to meet lots of new people and make friends,” she said.

The second part of the festivities on Saturday will include a dinner and dance. Advance tickets will be sold until June 10.

“You’ll be able to enjoy the traditional Ukrainian culture with all kinds of wonderful food.” said Jahn. “It’s fantastic. It really is.”

A program will follow between 8 p.m. and 9 p.m. including Ukrainian dancers from Saskatoon as well as a Veselka choir.

“It will just be a fun evening with a dance to follow,” said Jahn.

On Sunday the celebration will take a more serious tone.

“Basically this group is honouring all of the Ukrainain settlers that came to Prince Albert and the surrounding communities,” said Jahn. “This 25 year celebration is really to symbolize our pioneers and to pay tribute to those particular people who first came to this area.”

A monument of a rainbow will be put up at the tourism centre at 1 p.m.

“Velselka means rainbow and rainbow actually means promise,” said Jahn. “So when you think about the promise land and the first Ukrainian settlers coming to this community, it is very appropriate.”

Diane Bazowski, the president of the Prince Albert Veselka Club, said she’s excited for the rainbow to go up.

“It’s supposed to make you feel good inside when you see something of beauty,” said Bazowski. “I just hope it’s something that can be enjoyed by every citizen in Prince Albert and in the area.”

According to Bazowski ticket sales have been slow but they’re hoping to get more people.

Tickets are $30 for adults, $10 for students between ages 6 and 12 and children under 5 are free. Call Diane at 306-764-7255, or Pat 306-763-8929 for more information.

“We would like everyone to come out, enjoy the festivities and just have a fun evening of good true, Ukrainian culture,” said Jahn.

asoloducha@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @alex_soloducha

by Alex Soloducha

Veselka festival ready to show a taste of Ukraine

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