Local Ukrainian refugees celebrate culture with Pocatello community
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POCATELLO — Over $11,000 was raised at the first-ever Ukraine Festival on Saturday. Funds and supplies will be used to help displaced Ukrainian refugees and those still living in the war-torn country.
Even before this event, volunteers had earned enough money to purchase 214 tourniquets to send to Ukraine. They have raised $150,000 in the year-and-a-half since the war started.
Ukrainian refugees said “vitayetʹsya” (welcome) their Pocatello neighbors as they celebrated the Ukrainian heritage. The First United Methodist Church donated its building for the event.
Lena Contour has been an integral part of the festival. As a Ukrainian, she knows firsthand the struggle of refugees. She was able to bring her mother over from their war-torn homeland, with the help of Bridges Idaho, a non-profit that helps refugees when acclimating to their new land.
Attendees were able to sample some authentic food, including Borscht (a staple Ukrainian soup), Pelmeni (noodle dough stuffed with meat and cooked like ravioli), Olivje (favorite salad usually saved for special occasions), waffle cake and Kompote (a traditional fruit drink).
With only eight people cooking, volunteers crafted over 300 meals.
Radene and Tarry Barker of Pocatello told EastIdahoNews.com they enjoyed the cake and borscht the most.
The entertainment consisted of dancers from Narodyna International Folk Dancers, who favored the crowd with traditional dances. One dance even involved the crowd; everyone enjoyed it and was laughing along with the moves.
The trio Angel Tones learned and performed songs in native Ukrainian. Bryndon Belnap, of Pocatello, also sang a few songs in Ukrainian. He served in Ukraine during his mission for the LDS church. The Old School Combo played a fun love song with singers.
The event was a hit, and many of the refugees who had craft booths have earned some money to help their families.
Watch video of the dancers in the video player above.
