Ukrainian culture showcased this weekend

The Ukrainian Homestead will host its annual Ukrainian Folk Festival this weekend.

The event will be held from noon on Saturday and Sunday at the homestead of CEC ODWU Inc., 1230 Beaver Run Drive, Lehighton.

An array of Ukrainian foods will be available including pirohi, holubki, potato pancakes, shyshlyky, borsch, kielbasy and sauerkraut, as well as American favorites and a huge selection of sweets and refreshments.

Ukrainian vendors from throughout the Eastern Seaboard will feature embroidery, pottery, wood crafts, jewelry, music and video recordings, religious items and pysanky. The festival has plenty of free parking.

The highlight of the festival will be the stage performances. Shows on Saturday begin at 2 and 4:30 p.m. and at 2 p.m. on Sunday.

Guest performers include the Nadiya Dancers from Kiev Ukraine, singer Luidmila Joe, virtuoso violinist Innesa Tymochko-Dekajlo from Lviv, Ukraine, the famed Dobriansky Brothers vocal trio from New York City and local favorite, the Kazka Ukrainian Folk Ensemble from Schuylkill County.

On Saturday, the festivities continue with a dance at 8 p.m. with music provided by Walter Syzonenko on accordion.

On Sunday, his Grace Bishop John Bura will celebrate the divine liturgy at 11 a.m. at St. Andrew's chapel on the homestead grounds. This is a rain or shine event.

The homestead has both indoor and outdoor facilities including an Olympic-size swimming pool, performance hall, motel and restaurant.

For more information on the festival or the Ukrainian Homestead, visit www.ukrhomestead.com or contact Lesia Stecyna at 215-740-1609.