Ukrainian festival in Sacramento: how the diaspora helps the victims of war

Sacramento, which is often called little Kiev due to the large number of Ukrainians living here, became even more Ukrainian for one day. On Saturday, August 22, on the eve of Independence Day, the “Together for peace” charity festival was held in the capital of California. Ukrainians from all over Northern California came to see it. During the day, according to the organizers, the festival was visited by more than six thousand people.

Saturday heat

Before the start of the competition for speeding up the dumplings, one of the participants carefully clarifies the conditions. He is seriously determined to win and is trying on a large bowl with a national Ukrainian dish. However, it is ahead of Vladimir Bichinsky, a programmer from the Wow Area - with a formidable Cossack and the words “Do not let me go to heaven” on a T-shirt. He first empties the bowl, for which he receives embroidery as a gift.

“I will not feed you now for two weeks,” his wife shouts from somewhere behind him with a laugh.

Ukrainian festival in full swing. From the other end of the lawn, where the playground is located, squeals and laughter of children are heard. The midday sun is hot. People are hiding in the shade of trees, under sheds and umbrellas.

Someone, spreading a blanket on the lawn, is resting from the heat. Someone lining up for hot soup. Someone is buying a new embroidery. Someone is watching the show of the collection of national clothes from modern Ukrainian designers. Someone communicates with representatives of companies that present their services and products at the festival.

Even the terrible heat did not prevent the Ukrainian festival. Photo by Julia Bunyak

Olga Gerasimenko, dressed in a national costume, does not part with a yellow-blue umbrella that protects her from the scorching sun.

25 years ago, she moved from Lviv to the United States. He is currently leading a bandurist ensemble in Northern California. He helps Americans with Ukrainian roots to join the national traditions, music and language. In a quarter of an hour Olga needs to go on stage.

“There are many Ukrainians here in Sacramento. We have something to show, the main thing is to be where. It's good that there is such a festival now, ”says Olga.

Peace to the world

The event is hosted by the American charity organization “Ukraine Relief”, created in California after the start of the Russian-Ukrainian conflict by caring immigrants. The organization transports civilians, forced to stay in the east, food, clothing, medical supplies.

Coordinators of the charity organization "Ukraine Relief". Photo by Yulia Bunyak

“We want to help Ukraine in this difficult time. Therefore, all the money collected at our charity festival will be used to help people affected by the war in the Donbass, ”said one of the organizers of the event, Ukraine Relief coordinator Vlad Scotz.

The festival is held under the slogan "Together for peace" ("Together - for the world"). Lyubov Ilnitskaya from the Rivne region, who has been living in California for 16 for years, also dreams of peace in Ukraine. She came to the festival with her compatriot. Both have wreaths in the colors of the Ukrainian flag.

Love is closely following the news from the first country. Admits: "I really want all people to live in the world - both in Russia and in Ukraine."

Big politics

Sergey Alyoshin, Consul General of Ukraine in San Francisco, states that the country is currently a serious foreign policy factor for American politics, especially after the start of a presidential campaign in the United States. The position of candidates in Ukraine and Russia is one of the factors that people will pay attention to when voting.

The festival held in Sacramento, the consul is sure, is a good opportunity to draw the attention of Americans to events in Ukraine.

“Such events unite all Ukrainians who currently live in Northern California. It is important that local Ukrainians demonstrate their solidarity with Ukraine, their maximum support. Another important point is the collection of charitable money that will go to help victims of military actions in the Donbas, ”says Alyoshin.

The American political establishment at the festival was represented by Republican Senator Jim Nielsen of the California Senate. He worked with the fortieth US president Ronald Reagan, the latter even mentioned Nielsen in his memoirs. By the way, in the California Senate leadership belongs to the Democrats - they occupy two thirds of the seats. Nielsen, as is typical of all Republicans, criticized President Barack Obama for weakness and appealed to the traditional basis of American democracy - freedom.

“It is important that the second Ronald Reagan comes, because now the Ukrainians do not have the support they deserve. But this does not mean that they are not supported by the American people, ”said Senator Nielsen in an exclusive comment to the Forum.

In a sign of support for Ukraine, the senator inserted a national flag in his breast pocket.

From dawn to dusk

When the sun disappeared over the horizon, the whole area in front of the stage was filled with spectators - a gala concert began. Local teams took part in it, as well as guests from Ukraine: Anton Kopytin - the winner of the fifth season, the talent show “Voice of the Country” and Beria Blessing - the participant of the fourth season.

However, you can call 36-year-old Briya a guest from Ukraine with a big stretch - she was born in the USA and lived in Texas until 13 years. Although she still has an American passport, she considers herself a Ukrainian and connects her future only with Ukraine.

At the end of the day, the organizers from Ukraine Relief summed up the first results. According to preliminary estimates, the event was attended by more than six thousand people.

"We are glad that people did not remain indifferent and came to the festival to help Ukrainians suffering from the war in the east", said the coordinator of the charitable organization Sergey Vronsky.

In the coming days, it will be known how much money was collected in Sacramento. And on Sunday, August 23, a concert "Together for peace" will be held in seattle.

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