IRONDEQUOIT, N.Y. — St. Josaphats Ukrainian Festival is kicking off its four-day event.
The festival will be more meaningful this year because it’s the first time it's been held in two years because of the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s the 50th anniversary of the festival, and because for those people in the Ukrainian community and beyond ,thoughts and prayers are with those coping with the war in Ukraine.
“It’s a celebration," said Festival Chairman Andrew Hanushevsky. "It's done all with volunteers. Nobody gets paid to do this. We do it out of the goodness of our heart to share our Ukrainian culture. Our Ukrainian heritage. To showcase the dancing. The food. The vendors. Everything's done to help the church and just to showcase the Ukrainian culture.”
The decades-long tradition hosted by St. Josaphats Ukrainian Catholic Church is a highlight for not only Rochester’s large Ukrainian population, but for the entire community.
“For 50 years this festival has brought awareness to Ukrainian culture, Ukrainian heritage," said Father Phil Weiner, Pastor at St. Josaphats. “There has been more awareness of Ukraine itself, not only about the war, but about Ukraine's culture. About traditions of Ukraine. Many people are rediscovering their Ukrainian roots which perhaps might have been lost over the years.”
There will be an opportunity for visitors to learn how they can help as the war continues in Ukraine.
“One of the vendors that we have is a local organization, RocMaidan,” said Hanushevsky. “So they're the ones that spearhead the fundraising for Ukraine. They've done a wonderful job over the last year, and we actually have them here on site all festival for donations, information, things of that nature.”
Those stopping by can expect 26 vendors, music, dance and other entertainment — and plenty of food.
“The best thing to do is to get the combo plate,” said Hanushevsky. “We like to call it the best combo plate in town. So that's a Ukrainian sausage that we have made. It's pierogi, which is a potato-filled almost-like dumpling. A cabbage roll with hamburger, bacon, rice, onions, spices and homemade sauerkraut.”
“Our festival tries to show everyone that we are proud Ukrainian Americans,” said Father Phil. “That we very deeply love our brothers and sisters and those of us that have family in Ukraine, especially during this time. And we're also praying for peace.”
Hanushevsky says you can plan to enjoy yourself.
“We're a loving bunch,” he said. “So come. We want to have fun and we want to party. We want to break bread with you, whatever. Come hungry.”
Organizers say they are expecting record crowds for this year's event, possibly welcoming as many as 50,000 people.
For full event details, click here.