Approximately 375 people walked through the doors of the Alex Dillabough Center in Battleford Nov. 9 to celebrate the North Battleford District Ukrainian Orthodox Parish's fifth annual Obzhynky (fall harvest festival).
The district parish consists of congregations from North Battleford, Glaslyn and Hafford. Celebrations started at 5 p.m. Guests were greeted at the door with a traditional Ukrainian welcome (vitayemo). The hospodari (hosts) Andy and Pat Ciona of Blaine Lake offered a shot of liquor and a piece of kolach (traditional braided bread) to all the guests.
Musicians Peter Kyliuk, Walter Kyliuk, Dennis Pidwerbeski and Ron Tanchuk also helped set the tone for the evening by playing live Ukrainian music in the background. Guests were from as far away as Edmonton, Vegreville and Calgary, Alta., Cudworth, Christopher Lake, Norquay, Melville and Saskatoon.
Guests were asked to be seated for supper at 6 p.m. Father Taras Udod said an opening prayer. Mouth-watering homemade pyrohy (perogies), holubtsi (cabbage rolls), roast beef, sausage, potatoes and salad were on the menu. A drumstick dessert finished off the meal to make it complete. The crowd was treated to the sounds of a classic violin played by Tatyana Momot, a recent immigrant from Ukraine. Also, during the supper hour, more than 60 door prizes were given out.
After a delicious and stomach stretching supper, the entertainment began. The Svoboda and Zorya dancers amazed the crowd with their athletic abilities and gracefulness. Mriya (Dream), a Ukrainian children's choir melted the hearts of babas and didys in the crowd with their voices.
The remainder of the evening was enjoyed with socializing and a dance that included a Kolomayka. Music for the dance was provided by Marko's Music and the live band that played at the door. Guests were kept busy by out bidding each other in the silent auction. The business community and individuals of the Battlefords and surrounding area were generous with donations towards the auction.
The mini raffle was drawn at 10 p.m.. Natalie Cyba of Vegreville, Alta. won the 3L Pristina vodka. The Coach purse and matching wallet was won by Adeline Scammell of North Battleford. Patrick Livingstone of Norquay won the No. 60 Saskatchewan Roughrider Jersey signed by Gene Makowsky.
A large raffle was also held. First prize of two tickets anywhere Westjet flies went to Penny and Zane Nikiforuk of Sherwood Park, Alta. Joe and Genny Lindeman of North Battleford were drawn for the second prize of a 42-inch television. The winner of the third prize of $250 cash was Audrey Langhorst of Saskatoon.
In typical Ukrainian fashion, the crowd was fed again with lunch at 10 p.m.
