Festival Appreciation Salute


(BWVUF) – On Sunday, November 9, the organizing committee of the Bloor West Village Ukrainian Festival held a “Festival Appreciation Salute”, to recognize and thank the many sponsors, partners, volunteers, performers and supporters of the 2003 Festival.

The afternoon event was held at the lovely Old Mill Inn with a capacity crowd in attendance. Festival President Jurij Klufas kicked off the afternoon with a Salute to all present, and then presented a video created by Kontakt’s Michael Curry highlighting the 2003 Festival. Gerard Kennedy, Ontario’s Minister of Education, extended his congratulations and best wishes for the continued success of the Festival. Peter Leon, board member of the Trillium Foundation, praised the Festival for its community spirit and achievements – in particular the growth of attendees to 250,000 people in 2003. He expressed how pleased the board was to support such a successful venture. Toronto mayoralty candidate David Miller literally bounced into the room on his whirlwind tour of the city to add his glowing praises about the Festival.

Festival Executive Director Raya Shadursky presented the sponsors with plaques in appreciation and recognition. Shadursky noted that many of the sponsors have been with the Festival since its inception and added that this year in particular there were seven first time sponsors.

Parade Marshall Ron Lenyk along with Alex Ling, Chairman of the Bloor West Village BIA, Kathy Kennedy and Paula Coates, BIA executive members, presented the awards for the Parade. Best overall commercial cash prize went to Karpaty Export-Import and Best overall non-commercial cash prize went to Sonechko Sadochok. A special mention and plaque was awarded to Morris Adamowich of the Ukrainian National Federation’s Toronto branch who along with Pavlo Romanyshyn and Mykhajlo Onysko have participated with a beautiful float in every parade since 1997.It is their dedication and example that has laid the foundation for the success of the parade.

Rose Fox, Festival Volunteer Director and Katrusia Kohut Volunteer Coordinator had the pleasure of presenting certificates to exceptional volunteers: Michael Paranczuk, Bohdan Gluch, Iryna Olifirenko and 10-year-old Oksana Frunchak.

2003 Festival MCs Olya Szszuryk, Victor Malarek and Zenon Chwaluk distributed the many donated door prizes.

Jurij Klufas ended the formal portion of the festivities by announcing the 2004 Festival dates as Friday. August 27, Saturday, August 28 and possibly Sunday, August 29.

He encouraged everyone to get involved. There is an open call for performers, volunteers, kiosk vendors and most importantly sponsors. 

For more information, visit the Festival web site: www.ukrainianfestival.org or call 416-410-9965 and leave a message