Gardenton held its 60th-anniversary Ukranian festival, showcasing the developments of the Ukranian museum.
Helen Feniuk, chairperson of the planning committee, says that they have been planning this event since last October.
“We're trying to make it the best celebration that we can make, acknowledging all the work that's been done for the past six years, particularly all the volunteers that have kept this organization going and have highlighted the contribution of the Pioneers, the Ukrainian pioneers.”
Feniuk says that her personal reason behind getting involved is because she believes it is important to acknowledge those who came before us.
This event features a stage show which Feniuk says is one of the best Gardenton has ever seen. This show includes groups that have never performed in the community before.
Folks at the anniversary got to see the museum revamp which has been done for the first time in 60 years.
“The museum has been completely revamped for the first time in 60 years. We have a very active museum committee this year, and so we're going to see big changes and wonderful things in the museum, which houses all the artifacts from the earliest pioneers.”
Not only does this event showcase the museum, but also the development of the campgrounds and new clay oven baked bread.
“If it weren't for the kitchen activities, I think this organization would have a hard time surviving, but they keep cooking and baking and people keep coming and eating and buying. And so you can expect that this tradition will continue.”
Feniuk says that the non-profit organization survives because it puts Gardenton on the map, and creates a meeting place for people from many communities.
The 60th-anniversary Ukrainian festival was funded largely by the community support from their last anniversary jubilee.
“For the Jubilee of the 50th, 10 years ago. We ran a sponsorship campaign, and we managed to raise almost $6000 from community support for this 60th anniversary project. That's from individuals from other organizations, churches, and also businesses.”
“That's very, very encouraging to get that kind of support. And the Gardenton people, they come out, and they volunteer, and they help, they may not be able to help very much financially. But they will show up and. They will do what needs to be done.”
Follow our Celebrate Summer jeep throughout the southeast this summer to find us at all the events.
Make sure to scan the QR code on the side of the jeep, or visit our Celebrate Summer Webpage for a chance to win a weekly prize!
With files from Adi Lowen