The fourth annual Obzhynky, or annual Ukrainian fall harvest celebration was held at the Ukrainian Orthodox Auditorium Saturday evening.
The event, a tradition in Ukraine, was transplanted to Canada. It typically marks a successful harvest season, explains Larissa Van Caeseele, president of the Troyanda Ukrainian Dance Ensemble.
Participants are traditionally welcomed to the event by a host and hostess.
The event is also a fundraiser for the dance club. Proceeds of Obzhynky provide funds for instructors, costuming and various events staged by the dance troupe.
In addition to the meal of traditional fare, the participants were treated to performances by both the Troyanda Ukrainian Dancers and guest performers, the Canora Veselka dancers.
A dance followed with music provided by Shoom from Winnipeg. The highlight of the dance was the traditional kolomyka, an improvisational dance, where anyone, youngsters and older participants who wish, perform brief, improvised solo and small group dance routines as part of the large circle dance.
