The annual BC Ukrainian Cultural Festival may be in jeopardy.
As the 22nd annual festival, held in May in Mission, was drawing to a close, emcee Ihor Zalubniak made an announcement: “There may not be a 23rd annual festival next year.”
Many of the current organizers – who have been doing the job for several years – are stepping aside, and, despite extensive search efforts, few new folks have stepped forward to agree to take on organizing roles, according to Ukrainian Culture BC.
Financially, the organization is in good shape.
“The crunch will come at the upcoming AGM in June,” said Zalubniak, who made a strong appeal for folks to come forward.
The AGM is set for June 27.
“We understand the difficulties for new people coming forward,” said president Glenna Nychyporuk.
“They are extended to the limit with family and work, and with trying to keep their own troupes going. It is hard to find yet more time and energy to take on another large task.”
Murmurs of concern notwithstanding, Festival 2017 was a resounding success. Crowds were large, and the lineups to get a feed of good Ukrainian kitchen fare were long.
The festival featured troupes from all corners of the province, and one from Seattle. It has been held annually in Mission for the past 17 of its 22-year existence.
Of the two main senior trophies handed out, Kvitka of Surrey claimed the award for the best Hopak (national dance of Ukraine), while troupes from Comox on the Island and Kelowna in the Okanagan shared the award for the best Previt (welcome dance).
Veselka of Victoria took home the most coveted “cuteness” award among the younger set (age 10 and under) – the Gordon Yakimow Trophy. The adjudicator was Serhij Koroliuk of Saskatoon.