The 2024 BC Ukrainian Cultural Festival is returning to Mission on May 11 at the Heritage Park Centre and the Clarke Foundation Theatre (33700 Prentis Ave.).
The festival will bring together troupes from all corners of the province and from Washington State in a day-long exhibition of adjudicated performances featuring dances and costumes from all regions of Ukraine.
Vendors will offer an array of items: Ukrainian arts and crafts, embroidered clothing, and home baking among them.
Musicians will entertain attendees with fast-paced tunes. Food trucks will be on site, serving out delicious traditional Ukrainian fare.
The Festival was founded in 1995 by BC Ukrainian cultural icon Gladys Andreas, who has been recognized by both the Ukrainian-Canadian Congress and the Government of Ukraine for her contribution to the Festival’s mission: “Keeping Ukrainian Cultural Alive.”
“The gathering’s purpose is especially important today, given the awful situation in Ukraine,” explained Darka (Konyk) Morin, president of the BC Ukrainian Cultural Festival Society.
“Many of us have family there with whom we are in touch. Our Festival is the most important cultural event for our Ukrainian-Canadian community here in the province of British Columbia,” she added.
“With our Festival, we honour our community by presenting the depth of our heritage. And we invite the larger community to join us in keeping our rich cultural heritage alive and vibrant, and to share our journey and passion.”
Following last year’s festival, the BCUCF donated $4,800 to the Canada-Ukraine Foundation to support ongoing relief in Ukraine.
Doors open at 9 a.m. The official opening ceremony is scheduled for 10 a.m.
Information can be found by visiting www.bcucf.ca