Westworld Saskatchewan

Summer 2012

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upfront (top) Ukrainian dancers usher in spring during the annual Vesna Festival in May; (above) demonstrating the tradition of dyeing layers of colour to create a pysanka, or Ukrainian Easter egg. 12 W E S T W O R L D p12-13_Up_Front.indd 12 >> SUMMER 2012 Vesna Has Sprung "UKRAINIANS love to party!" says Judy-Ann Chabun, an organizer of Saskatoon's annual Vesna Festival. Dancers in bright dresses whirl by revellers mingling on the floor and at tables. Celebrating the arrival of spring, or vesna, the event is a big (1,000 visitors a day) and colourful nod to Saskatchewan's Ukrainian heritage. Still, one doesn't have to be Ukrainian to join in the fun. "Our aim is to promote culture – art, dance and music – and give budding artists an opportunity to be exposed to the community," says Andy Smycniuk, one of the original organizers of the Vesna Festival 38 years ago. Think of it as a big Ukrainian wedding, but without the bride and groom. There's a banquet, bands, dancing and non-stop entertainment until the wee hours of the morning. Borscht, cabbage rolls and chicken Kiev are later burned off during the Hopak, a traditional dance of high kicks, spins and jumps. This year, Canadian comedian Roman Danylo and the Saskatoon-based Pavlychenko Folklorique Ensemble are among Friday's Just 4 Kicks Comedy Show & Cabaret lineup. Local as well as international performers take over during Saturday's Traditional Family Celebration. On the quieter side, the miniature village market showcases such wares as wooden nesting dolls from Russia and traditional Ukrainian embroidered shirts; and the Cultural Room enlightens with a variety of guests (in 2011, Calgary pysanka artist Daena Diduck demonstrated the intricate art of colouring Ukrainian Easter eggs). Magicians and entertainers ham it up in the children's area, while Café Kyiv serves up coffee and desserts, including the Kyivsky torte, rich in ground walnuts and chocolate. The Vesna Festival runs Friday and Saturday nights, every Mother's Day weekend (May 11-12, 2012) at TCU Place, Saskatoon. Tickets $30; $50 for a weekend pass. i vesnafestival.com Darrell Noakes 4/12/12 5:14:06 PM

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