Ukrainian Festival at St. Stephen Church in Toms River, NJ
On
Saturday, August 22, 2009, it rained everywhere, but not on many visitors, who
attended the Second Annual St. Stephen’s Ukrainian Festival, located at 1344
White Oak Bottom Road, Toms River, New Jersey. Beyond our expectations, the
church grounds swelled with neighbors and those who traveled quite a distance,
primarily Ukrainian-Americans, but mostly non-Ukrainians, to appreciate
Ukrainian culture, crafts, foods and entertainment. Reverend Ivan Turyk, Pastor
of St. Stephen Church, was elated with the overwhelming support and good will
shared by all during this family and community oriented event.
Everywhere at this well-organized, fun-filled Festival, people could be seen
enjoying themselves, eating the delicious Ukrainian food, and there certainly
was plenty for everyone, listening to lively Ukrainian music, socializing with
friends and neighbors, and enjoying the entertainment of our incredible
Ukrainian dance performances.
People came to the Ukrainian Festival for a variety of reasons, and one of the
biggest attractions was the food. It seems everyone loves Ukrainian food.
Everywhere, people gathered at indoor and outdoor tables eating borscht, varenky,
holubtsi and kovbasa. There were hundreds of delicious home-made cakes and
pastries, all of which were consumed by the end of the Festival. Also offered
were a variety of special Ukrainian beers, bottled water, soft drinks, tea and
coffee, and an indoor and outdoor bar. Adding to the festivities, guests were
entertained by a live band, singing and dancing, plus a fabulous concert
presented by a Ukrainian Dancers from Perth Amboy, NJ. Other attractions
included children’s games, hot dogs, ice cream, Gift Basket Raffles, Vendors,
and even a raffle for the Bermuda Cruise that St. Stephen’s church is sponsoring
in June 2010.
We cordially invite everyone to next year’s festival on Saturday, August 22nd. A
great time will be had by all. Please also consider joining St Stephen’s Parish
for spiritual enrichment, and exciting events such as a November Calendar Dance,
Taras Shevchenko dinner and concert, Indoor Flea Market, Christmas and Easter
dinners, monthly pyrohy making and sales, pysanky workshop, and children’s
Ukrainian and Catechism classes.
If you have any questions, please call 732-505-6053 or visit
www.ststephenchurch.us
Prepared by Gerry Tchir.
Photos from the Festival
For more photos from the festival please click here.
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