UCC Toronto Celebrates 16^th Anniversary of Ukraine’s Independence

By John Pidkowich

The silver lining in the threatening storm clouds was the opportunity to meet together as a community to rekindle and make new friendships. On August 25^th, the Ukrainian Canadian Congress – Toronto Branch celebrated the 16^th Anniversary of Ukraine’s Independence in Centennial Park, located near Toronto’s west border with Mississauga. The annual event is held for the community to identify with our Ukrainian Culture and Canadian Heritage. Attracting youth, families and senior people of all ages and generations, this year’s event format and venue was new, more like an outdoor fair in atmosphere with vendors under tents, sporting matches, chess tournament, children’s activities and, of course, great Ukrainian cuisine. The official opening concert to celebrate Ukraine’s independence was attended by Bishops and religious hierarchies, Ukraine’s Consul General in Toronto, visiting officers of Ukraine’s Armed Forces, many community leaders, politicians and representatives from all levels of government elected in Etobicoke. Ontario Opposition Leader John Tory, who claims Ukrainian roots, made an unofficial campaign stop. As the clouds opened up on the open sky concert stage, Barvinok’s Hopak Dance Finale was near its completion and gave way to a rain break until the evening’s entertainment resumed with a zabava, dancing past midnight. Festivities concluded with impromptu circles and small groups forming to sing traditional Ukrainian songs and ballads into the early hours of the next day.