The Annual Western New York Ukrainian Festival was celebrated on the first Sunday after Labor Day on the beautiful grounds of St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Catholic Church at 3275 Elmwood Avenue in Kenmore. This year's Festival, celebrated on Sunday, September 7, 2008, from noon to 8 pm, was attended by almost a thousand people. Many Americans, and people of other nationalities, joined with members of the local Ukrainian-American community to enjoy an afternoon of friendship and a love of Ukrainian food, music and traditions.
The Ukrainian Dance Group "Dunai" from Rochester, came with a busload of very talented young dancers that entertained the applauding spectators.
In addition to the cultural program on the stage of the huge Banquet Hall, there was also a live concert performed outside by a musical ensemble from Rochester.
Several local politicians congratulated the Ukrainian Festival, including heavyweight boxer Joe Mesi, candidate for NY Senate. Many Ukrainian songs were performed on stage by the guitar duet of little Stefan Kuklich, (Father Kuklich's 6 year old son), and Myron Deputat, choir master and band leader of "Those Idiots".
There was an abundance of pyrohy (pierogi), holubtsi (cabbage rolls), kielbasa with sour kraut, chicken barbeque, and a lot of home made sweets with coffee. Hundreds of people enjoyed their meals at the festival, and took some home too.
After the concert there was a Chinese auction of 50 different baskets and gift certificates. Everyone had a great time and is looking forward to next year's Ukrainian Festival in Kenmore, NY