Babas & Borshch Ukrainian Festival Honours Rich Heritage

Babas & Borshch Ukrainian Festival Honours Rich Heritage

Michelle Pinon -News Advertiser

Thousands of people converged in Lamont to celebrate the rich heritage and culture of the Ukrainian people. It also commemorated the 130th Anniversary of Ukrainian settlement in Canada.

(Michelle Pinon/Photo)

“We were treated to some fabulous performances of song, dance, and music with all performers dressed in very intricate traditional Ukrainian dress. We saw Ukrainian culture, customs, and traditions that are alive and well 130 years after the original settlers came to Lamont County. The original settlers would be very happy to see the extent to which Ukrainian heritage has been maintained,” said Lamont County Reeve, David Diduck.

“Thank you to Ukrainian Canadian Congress – Alberta Provincial Council for having its Ukrainian Day celebration as part of the Baba’s and Borshch Festival; the combination of these two occasions resulted in a very successful weekend as evidenced by the number of people in attendance and the good time had by all,” added Diduck.

“It was wonderful to see the crowds come out for the Ukrainian Canadian Congress – Alberta Provincial Council’s Ukrainian Day and Babas and Borshch Ukrainian Festival and commemorate the 130 Anniversary of Ukrainian Settlement in Alberta, this past weekend. Even with the events in Ukraine taking away focus, it is important to celebrate Ukrainian heritage, history, and culture and support our friends and family impacted by the war,” stated Lydia Migus, Vice President of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress - Alberta Provincial Council.

The Honourable Salma Lakhani Lieutenant Governor of Alberta, right, with Lena Sloboda, left, and Emily Kostiuk.

(Michelle Pinon/Photo)

With Lamont County being the Cradle of Ukrainian Settlement in Canada, this was the perfect location to host these two events combined this year. The energy and emotions felt throughout the two days of these combined Ukrainian festivalsfrom all the participants who traveled from across Alberta and Canada, during the various presentations, activities, and concerts - were exciting, humbling, and awesome, and we are proud to have been able to create this special experience,” added Migus, who was the Coordinator for Ukrainian Day.

Lamont Mayor Kirk Perrin said, “The annual two-day festival provides a wonderful opportunity to learn about Ukrainian culture in a family friendly setting. From music to vendors, along with the Borshch Cook Off, there are many points of interest to explore.

Babas & Borshch Ukrainian Festival is an annual highlight in our community. Each year the event celebrates our region’s Ukrainian heritage. Each year the event builds on past success and offers new attractions, The Lamont region celebrates its unique honor as the “cradle of Ukrainian settlement to Canada” and we thank all who attended in joining our community in honoring Ukrainian heritage.”

“We were gratified by the attendance of new and returning visitors to the Babas and Borshch Festival and Ukrainian Canadian Congress – Alberta Provincial Council’s Ukrainian Day events,” said Babas and Borshch Festival Coordinator, Hazel Anaka.

“In planning, I had hoped the decision to proceed with a live festival would be a blessing to Ukrainians, to those who love its heritage and to celebrate and recognize the significance of Ukrainian culture in Canada. The amount of support is significant, and even during this difficult time in Ukraine, our community welcomes everyone with open arms and is doing all they can to support families both in and new to the region,” noted Anaka.