In Austin, Texas, the local Ukrainian community gathered at the picturesque Sunflower Ranch for the annual Ivan Kupala celebration, also known as the Midsummer Festival. Despite the bad weather, the event turned into a warm and magical celebration combining tradition, creativity, charity, and a sense of unity.
This was reported by the event organizers.
The celebration began with outdoor activities, including a fair, children's games, a food court, master classes, and craft exhibitions. One of the festival's highlights was a 30-minute yoga session accompanied by live music, led by Kayla Hoffman and accompanied by Alexei Sedin on the piano. The evening continued with performances by Ukrainian poets and writers, including Oksana Lutsyshyna and Albina Pozdnyakova. Local authors, Ukrainian friends, and supporters of Ukraine joined them, reciting poems, telling stories, and sharing their experiences.
"It was wonderful that you were able to do this in such crazy weather conditions! Stay safe, dry, and creative! And let's continue to support Ukraine!" wrote participant Albina Pozdnyakova on social media.
Live music played on the improvised stage: Ukrainian and American performers created a unique atmosphere. Oleksandra Pelita and Roman Polishchuk performed with violinist Yulia Kucherenko, guitarist Wolfgang Basyuk, and clarinetist Pei-Ju Chang.
Special thanks go to the volunteers who prepared the food and helped with the organization: Natalia Guk, Kateryna Ryabokon, Kat Voinova, Marina Koval, Larisa Levchuk, Albina Pozdnyakova, Olena Slobodyan, Marty Kornilyak, the European Ukrainian Delights, the Austin Bake Dream Team, Olya Gaida, and others. The menu featured authentic homemade dishes, such as borscht (including a vegetarian version by John Stennett), varenyky, sausages, pancakes with Nutella, cherry and cheese buns, syrniki, nuts, waffle cake, cheesecake, coffee, compote, and sangria.
In addition to the food, the festival featured a Ukrainian craft exhibition and fair with jewelry by Lyubov Krymer, knitted items by Tetiana Kiryushatova, handmade dolls and fairies by Olya Shevchenko, and cosmetics and herbal teas by Olga-Sonia Beyshir. There were also books, traditional jewelry, and children's workshops on making bracelets, headbands, and dolls.
A special program was prepared for the youngest guests, including face painting, coloring, and making herbal wreaths with Casey Ritter. There were also stories about the future with Hannya Mendyuk and Stefani Dovbush. The festival culminated in an evening of poetry and music.
The event also had a charitable purpose: all proceeds will go to the Liberty Ukraine Foundation to support the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
Despite the rain and the thousands of kilometers between them and their homeland, Ukrainians remain united, inspired, and ready to act. Ivan Kupala at Sunflower Ranch was a tribute to tradition and an act of support for Ukraine.
Photo: Nadya Zhurba, video: sunflower_ranch_atx
Author: Inna Mikhno