SAINT STEPHEN UKRAINIAN CATHOLIC CHURCH TOMS RIVER NJ
4TH ANNUAL UKRAINIAN FESTIVAL

On Saturday, September 10, 2011, Father Oleksandr Dumenko welcomed hundreds of parishioners, guests, and visitors to the 4th Annual Ukrainian Festival held at Saint Stephen Ukrainian Catholic Church located at 1344 White Oak Bottom Road, Toms River, New Jersey. The large and enthusiastic crowds were warmly greeted upon their arrival, and quickly recognized the aroma of pyrohy, holubtsi, kovbasa, and other Ukrainian treats as they entered the Festival grounds. Upon entering the Festival grounds, guests were immediately greeted with the wonderful sounds of Ukrainian music.

Everywhere people could be seen enjoying themselves, eating the delicious pyrohy, potato pancakes, halushki, borscht, and holubtsi, while enjoying a large variety of Ukrainian beers, a perfect complement to the Ukrainian cuisine. Special home-made desserts using only the finest ingredients were made by our own parishioners. Hot dogs, ice cream, soda, a Jungle Island Adventure, and various Carnival games were available for the children.

People came to the Ukrainian Festival for a variety of reasons, and one of the biggest attractions was the food. Ukrainian cuisine is one of the most famous and well-known, and it seems everyone loves this ethnic food. Everywhere people gathered at indoor and outdoor tables eating, drinking, and having fun. Adding to the festivities, guests were entertained by a rich and entertaining live band, “Cheremosh Ukrainian Band,” including Ukrainian singing on an outdoor stage, accompanied by the fabulous Ukrainian Dance Ensemble, “Barvinok,” from South Bound Brook, New Jersey.

There was a wide variety of vendors showing woodcarvings, jewelry, and other crafts designed by Ukrainian artists. In addition to the celebration of Ukrainian culture, showcasing authentic Ukrainian food, music, and dancing, it also was an opportunity for the general public to see proposed renditions for the first Ukrainian Catholic Church to ever be built in OceanCounty. To help launch this historic event, several individuals and organizations including the Ukrainian National Association, Self Reliance, and Also International made significant financial donations to support the new Saint Stephen’s Ukrainian Catholic Church Building Fund.

The Festival Committee and Fr. Oleksandr Dumenko thank all who helped make this Parish Festival possible and a success. Please make your plans to attend the 5th Annual Ukrainian Festival next year. By Gerry Tchir, parishioner.

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