You can get a sample of what you will see at Canada's National Ukrainian Festival (CNUF) 2023 by attending their kick-off party tonight.
The event will get underway at 5 and will take place in front of the CNUF office on 3rd Avenue Northeast, right across from the Co-op parking lot.
The night will include music by Boris and the Melody Kings, performances from the Zirka and Bratsva dance ensembles, a fundraising BBQ, discounts at the CNUF store, and 3 chances to win a weekend pass to the festival. All you have to do to enter is make any purchase at the store.
"If you've never been, you have to come. It's a little bit of a taste of what happens at the festival", said festival President, Kayla Gillis.
She also mentioned that they have some new board members who will be at the party and you are welcome to come down and meet them too.
When it concerns the festival itself, which happens during the August long weekend (August 4-6), Gillis said they will host a social on the Friday night. This will be in addition to the Zabavas that happen every year throughout the entire weekend. Also new this year, they will have a farmer's market.
Find a list of performers on their website, which is headlined by Shumka. Tickets are still available as well, but as they say, if you wait - you'll pay more at the gate!
The festival is also looking for volunteers. If you commit to a 4-hour shift, you will get a free day pass. If you volunteer for two 4-hour shifts, you'll get a free weekend pass. A free weekend pass AND a camping pass will go to anyone who volunteers for at least 3 shifts.
