August, 2005 - Nr. 8
Visiting the Ukraine – in Toronto
Since its inception in 1997, this spectacular annual festival has grown to entertain visitors of all ages and cultural backgrounds. Last year over 300.000 people from across North America and Europe visited this wonderful outdoor event.
This year it could be even more successful with new attractions added, such as a "Birds of Prey" exhibit where you can get up close and personal with rarely seen birds indigenous to Ukrainian regions. Some of the cabaret performances include violin virtuoso Vasyl Popadiuk and singer – and songwriter – Vika Vasilevich of the Ukraine.
Ukrainians are one of the largest ethnic groups in this cultural mosaic that is Canada.
The food and beverage garden features Perogies, Kabusta and Kolbassa again - delicious fare and almost unknown to the average Canadian. You may expect long line-ups at the food kiosks this year also, but service is quite efficient and the wait is short.
Another favorite will be the beers. Lvivske – a lager, and Slavutich – a Premium beer. Both taste delicious and will remind you of some of the German or Czechoslovakian Pilsners.
Of course there will be various Vodkas available and the fantastic Krimsekt with characteristics similar to French Champagne. It comes from an area near the Black Sea - that is also known as the Russian Riviera.
Since the Ukraine made the transition from a centrally planned economy into a market-driven one, more excellent products are now imported from the Ukraine. Many of them will be exhibited and offered for sale at the many tents, booths and kiosks at the festival site. Check out the UkieStore for a great selection.
Also, as you stroll along on Bloor Street, the local merchants will be glad to see you drop in and peruse their offerings.
Toronto is such a great city, one of the most envied in North America. Multiculturism still works here! But we also have to work at it to keep it that way! r.k.a.
