Ukrainian Valentine’s Day Dine and Dance

Ukrainian Valentine’s Day Dine and Dance

Rosanne Fortier News Correspondent

We celebrate Ukrainian Christmas, New Year and Easter so why not Valentine’s Day? Those were the words of Dwayne Hlady, President of Sunshine Club when, who created a Ukrainian Valentine’s Day event.

Around 50 people attended the event that was held in the Senior Citizens Sunshine Club of Vegreville’s facility on Feb. 29.

“This was a fundraiser which generated $1,000 for the Sunshine Club that will go towards purchasing new tables for the banquet room. Then it was a unique idea that got people’s attention. It is also the Leap Year so that was what made it special. Then it is important to celebrate Ukrainian culture in Vegreville because there are a lot of people who have that connection with the past through their grandparents and parents. We have the egg in this town. The Ukrainian culture is popular in this town too; everyone wants to be a Ukrainian.”

The meal consisted of several Ukrainian dishes that were prepared by Chef Dwayne Hlady and his volunteer Sunshine Club crew.

The music entertainment was donated by the band Silver and Gold who performed old-time country selections and some Ukrainian tunes for the crowd. Band member Charlie Gargus said they wanted to donate their service for this fundraiser because the Sunshine Club is an organization that is extremely valuable to have in the community and it gives seniors a place where they can meet and greet and it is good for their mental health, their networking, their social interaction, and gives them a place to go out instead of staying at home.

People dance to the music of Silver and Gold

(Rosanne Fortier/photo)

“We want the people who attended this event and if they had fun to go out and tell their friends. We would like to have a dance three or four times a year,” added Charlie.

Elizabeth Andrashewski said she thought the meal was very good and the music was good because it was more of the type of music that seniors like and could relate to.

As well, Rod’s Greenhouse donated the flower arrangements which beautified this event.