Attendance booms at 60th anniversary festival

As the noon start time for the official program of the Ukrainian Festival in Gardenton approached, officials took the stage with what they described as a “good” problem.

The program had to be delayed because vehicles were still lined up down the highway waiting to get in. And to make matters more challenging, one of their first performers was somewhere in that line.

But the program did get underway, with entertainment from a variety of Ukrainian acts, speeches from dignitaries and a tribute to a very special former Ukrainian Museum & Village Society president.

Linda Shewchuk was president and a dedicated board member of the park and museum for over 30 years.

“Most of her time throughout the years of 1979 to 2009 was spent preserving and promoting the legacy of Ukrainian settlers in southeastern Manitoba,” a program insert written by granddaughter Tyra Bodz said. “She brought many people to the area and was always eager to share the rich heritage of the people who built this community.”

“Her love of her family, friends, culture and community continues and her legacy is felt by all who have had the privilege of knowing an learning from her.”

This year’s program also included messages from Premier Wab Kinew, Opposition Leader Obby Khan, organizers and municipal officials.

This year also marked the first festival in many years that the restored pich, an outdoor clay oven, was used. A total of 96 loaves of bread were baked with many being sold to help raise funds for future projects and the rest offered as samples to the hungry crowd.