LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 10th Anniversary of the Ukrai-
nian Cultural Festival at the Soyuzivka Heritage Center in Kerhonkson,
New York, from July 8-10, 2016

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body, in keeping with its
time-honored traditions, to recognize and pay tribute to those organiza-
tions and events which foster ethnic pride and enhance the profile of
cultural diversity which strengthens the fabric of the communities of
New York State; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commem-
orate the 10th Anniversary of the Ukrainian Cultural Festival in
Kerhonkson, New York, to be celebrated July 8-10, 2016; and
WHEREAS, Organized by the Ukrainian National Foundation, Inc., (UNF),
the Ukrainian Cultural Festival was an astounding success in 2015, with
over 5,000 attendees of all ages; and
WHEREAS, At this year's Festival, people can listen to several Ukrai-
nian musical groups such as an a cappella ensemble, Pikkardiyska Tertsi-
ya, and an international rock band, Vopli Vidopliasova, which will
include their lead vocalist and accordionist Oleh Skrypka and Vasyl
Popadiuk, the international violin virtuoso; and
WHEREAS, In addition, visitors can participate in the Pryma Bohachev-
sky Dance Workshop and listen to the Dumka Chorus and to Oksana Mukha;
and
WHEREAS, Festival goers can also view numerous cultural exhibits and
try different foods in an extensive court, buy items from interesting
vendors and have a drink at the Beer Garden where you will enjoy contin-
uous music of various bands; and
WHEREAS, Spectators can also enjoy the Ukrainian Village Exhibit,
where artisans will exhibit and demonstrate life in the village, and
dance at the Zabava; Sunday will feature younger talented artists at
their own concert; and
WHEREAS, Incorporated in 1992, the UNF is organized under the patro-
nage of the Embassy of Ukraine; its Soyuzivka Heritage Center is nestled
on 400 acres in the Shawanagunk mountain range of the Catskill region of
New York State; and
WHEREAS, The UNF supports a multitude of various projects for the
benefit of the community; these projects are primarily focused on the
preservation of Ukrainian heritage and recording the contribution this
ethnic community has had in the United States; and
WHEREAS, This vital organization also sponsors community cultural
events, provides classes in Ukrainian folk art, language classes, grants
scholarships to Americans of Ukrainian descent and offers programs which
range from assisting new immigrants embrace their new life in America
through publishing informative brochures, to teaching and informing
various generations of Ukrainian-Americans about their heritage and
culture; and
WHEREAS, The Soyuzivka Heritage Center strives to cultivate, promote,
sponsor and encourage appreciation and public interest in the rich
cultural heritage of Ukraine and Ukrainian Americans; and
WHEREAS, The Ukrainian Cultural Festival is organized annually in
support of a host of programs conducted at the Soyuzivka Heritage
Center; during the summer of 2016, the Center is hosting numerous events
including two children's heritage summer camps, Ukrainian dance work-
shop, two sports camps, a week long seminar for American parents adopt-
ing children from Ukraine, and a special Seniors' Conference; and

WHEREAS, According to the 2000 United States Census figures, there are
over 1,000,000 Ukrainian-Americans living in the United States; these
people are a vital part of our Nation's culturally diverse mosaic; and
WHEREAS, Historically, New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Illinois
and Michigan have the largest concentration of Ukrainian-Americans; over
125,000 New York residents are of Ukrainian descent; and
WHEREAS, Events such as the Ukrainian Cultural Festival are an attrac-
tive venue for bringing members of our community together to celebrate
our common heritage; the festival also attracts many citizens of Slavic
descent of which there are approximately over 15,000,000 members; and
WHEREAS, A cherished event, the Ukrainian Cultural Festival provides a
uniquely warm environment that attracts all different types of people
who come to taste the authenticity of Ukrainian food and enjoy its
heritage; and
WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to recognize those
important events which remind us of the rich and diverse heritage of our
great State and Nation; and
WHEREAS, Events which celebrate diversity and peace contribute to
fulfilling our Nation's great legacy of equal opportunity for all, and
do so profoundly enhance our shared commitment to freedom and justice;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 10th Anniversary of the Ukrainian Cultural Festival in
Kerhonkson, New York, from July 8-10, 2016; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to The Ukrainian National Foundation, Inc.