The annual festival, dedicated to Ukrainian culture, music, art, and traditions, took place in the Catskill Mountains of New York. It was held at the Ukrainian Heritage Center in Kerhonkson, as it has been for many years. Over the course of three days, visitors could immerse themselves in Ukrainian heritage, participate in festive events, and experience the unity of the Ukrainian community in the United States.
The festival program included performances by Ukrainian artists, traditional cuisine, craft booths, and activities for guests of all ages. The concert program featured Chado, Roma Pryma, the Bohachevsky Ukrainian Dance Workshop, Trioda, Briya Blessing, Mariana Balash, the Voda Trio, Solomiya Stakhiv, Zolotyi Promin, and the Zirka dance group. The festival's main musical event was a performance by the Ukrainian rock band Antytila.
A charity auction was also held in support of wounded soldiers and the Magura unit of the Main Intelligence Directorate. The auction was organized by the Revived Soldiers Ukraine Foundation in conjunction with the Antytila Charity Foundation. Iryna Vashchuk Disiopio, the president of the Revived Soldiers Ukraine Foundation, and Dmytro Vodovozov, the drummer of the band Antytila, conducted the auction. Revived Soldiers Ukraine participants thanked the guests, performers, and partners. Roman Hirnyak and Valentina Tabak were especially noted for facilitating wounded soldiers' participation in the event.
The charity auction featured trophy items and sports souvenirs signed by famous Ukrainian athletes, as well as a bottle of champagne from Bakhmut. The festival in Soyuzivka raised $20,600 as a result of the meeting.
The event also featured Dignitas Ukraine a New Jersey–based charity that provides support to the Ukrainian people. The organization ran an information campaign and presented its team's work. Dignitas representatives answered questions about the war, volunteer assistance, and defense technologies. They emphasized the importance of supporting Ukraine in the global context and raised funds to support Ukrainian defenders.
Those interested could join the fundraising effort, support Ukrainian initiatives, or learn more about volunteering and charitable activities.
Author: Danylo Pievchev