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News Advertiser
AUGUST 28, 2019
www.NewsAdvertiser.com
Babas and Borscht Emily Mailhot Reporter – Vegreville News Advertiser Hazel Anaka
Lamont County’s most popular tourism initiative returned for another year from August 24-25, as the 7th Annual Baba’s and Borscht Festival took over Lamont for the weekend. Though the event has been going on in the county for seven years, this is their third year at the Lamont Community Hall, and chair Hazel Anaka says that the venue has been good to them. “The festival is a Lamont County tourism initiative and the location could change at any time, but we’re happy in Lamont for now,” Anaka said. “It’s bigger than any one community. We have attracted Ukrainians from all over the province and other provinces for years. Last year, our cook-off winner was from BC, and one of the runner-ups was from Saskatchewan, so people come from far and wide to attend.” This year, the festival was up to the same fun shenanigans; free attendance with activities for everyone from little kids to senior citizens to participate and enjoy. The attractions featured the Baba’s Bazaar marketplace and presentations Pysanka making demonstrations, two traditional Ukrainian
Food concessions, a farrier demonstration, a Ukrainian wine tasting with Ukrainian wines and brandy, a horse-drawn shuttle tour of the town’s historical site and the Lamont County memorial for the names of the 125 original settlers in the area. “The first Ukrainian settlers to Canada settled in Lamont County, and as the anniversary of that settlement was last year, the plaque was erected so that people can go check it for their
family names.” Baba Magda, of course, was meeting and greeting people at the gate, welcoming them to the festival. The Saturday evening Zabava was sold out in advance, but walk-ups were welcome to attend to enjoy the evening after dinner. On Sunday, the Borscht cook-off attracted three judges from
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