Video © 2018 Stefan P. Stefaniuk

On August 25th, the Ukrainian Village Committee will hold its 9th annual Ukrainian Independence Day Parade in Parma’s Ukrainian Village. The Committee invites all to join them and celebrate this special occasion! The parade procession begins at 11 a.m. on Grantwood Drive, continues north along State Road, and ends at Ukrainian Heritage Park, located across the street from St. Josaphat Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral (5720 State Road).

The Grand Marshal this year will be Oleh Mahlay. Mr. Mahlay is the artistic director and conductor of the Ukrainian Bandurist Chorus – a world-renowned musical ensemble celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. Mr. Mahlay was born and raised in Parma and has been an active member of the Ukrainian American community in Greater Cleveland. He is a teacher of the bandura (Ukraine’s national instrument), an accomplished composer, and has lectured about music throughout the world.

This year’s parade will showcase more than 40 marching units. Parade participants will include Ukrainian church communities, Parma area social clubs, local businesses, the mayor and city council representatives, city school officials, police honor guards, Veterans organizations, floats, and more! Spirited musical numbers will be performed by local high school marching bands.

After the parade, at Ukrainian Heritage Park, there will be a flag raising ceremony celebrating Ukrainian Independence Day.

There will also be a festival at St. Josaphat’s astrodome for all to enjoy! Festival admission and parking are free. It begins at noon and will feature a beer garden, authentic Ukrainian cuisine, live music, the Kashtan Dance Ensemble, and the Zorya Ukrainian Female Vocal Ensemble. There will also be games for kids, a petting zoo, hay wagon rides, balloon twisting, face painting, and more!

Questions? Email the Ukrainian Village Committee at ukrainianvillageparade@gmail.com.

Source: http://parmaobserver.com/read/2018/08/01/ukrainian-village-parade-festival-on-saturday-aug-25

Join Bike Parma in their first social ride!

Meet on Friday, Aug. 17th at 6:15 p.m. by the nature center at West Creek Reservation.

Stops include Zero Zest, located in Parma’s Ukrainian Village, for ice cream, and The Little Birdie Wine Nest for Friday night wine tastings!

Learn more at: https://www.facebook.com/events/275952086471716/