Marvelous Malanka at St. Michael

BY JANA SEMENIUK

The Malanka Ukrainian New Year’s celebration held in St. Michael on Jan. 14 was a smashing success.

More than 340 people filled every seat to enjoy the traditional Ukrainian dinner, Ukrainian dancing by Veselka Ukrainian dancers, and live music provided by the Joe Hrycyk Starlite Band.

Organizer Mae Adamyk said the evening was incredible.

“Everybody came and said it was absolutely wonderful. (They) said that we should add on to the hall so more people could come,” she said. Adamyk added that the event, which began selling tickets in mid-November, sold out before Christmas.

She said that 32 of those tickets came from one family who use the annual celebration as a way to have their family reunion, and she noted them during her speech before dinner.

“Tonight, 32 of the Gordon and Della Sokolik family are with us tonight. I just want to acknowledge them for choosing St. Michael Malanka for their annual family reunion,” she said.

Meanwhile, once dinner was complete, the Joe Hrycyk’s Starlite Band took the stage and filled the air with a wide range of music. Accordion inspired polkas to contemporary country hits, the dance floor was packed with partygoers of all ages, until it was time to be cleared for the Veselka Ukrainian Dancers.

Three groups of dancers, from early elementary to high school students, came out in their colourful costumes, one after another, charming the crowd with their skipping, clapping and joy at performing.

It was the dance troops’ first performance of the year.

The Malanka Cast were next. A selection of characters, dressed up and played by attendees, offered an animated look at the past year and welcomed the new year ahead with characters such as: the devil, reminding us of our mischievousness; the bride and groom, signifying that love is everywhere; and even a New Year’s baby pushed in their wheel-barrow carriage by their nurse, to bring us good luck in the year ahead.

“It’s not (the Malanka Cast) Christian in nature, it’s pagan,” said Adamyk. “But it’s something fun we enjoy.”

A 50/50 raffle was drawn where $830 was won by Kelly Mitchell and Judy, followed by the dropping of dozens of balloons from the ceiling, to the delight of several children waiting below, in addition to a midnight lunch.

Adamyk said it was the first Malanka St. Michael has had in more than two years due to the pandemic.

Vol. 18, No. 8, Wednesday, January 18, 2023 www.LamontLeader.com