Babas and Borscht

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 Edmonton, including two chefs from the Edmonton Convention Centre and Donovan Warkan, an improv comedian.

Babas and Borscht is able to remain free to the public because of a long list of sponsors and government grant funds to survive. They are currently waiting for their grant funds which they applied for this year’s festival.

“We can do things on a shoestring, without it having an effect on the quality of the festival,” said Anaka. “We have great volunteers, and as for funds we’ll take it whenever we can get it and make the best out of it.”

About volunteers, Anaka said that for next year, the planning starts right away, so anyone who has toyed with the idea of getting involved is always welcome to make their name known by contacting Babas and Borscht. “If people have a talent, the best way to get involved is to get your name out there and let us know you’re interested.”