HORSHAM — Thousands got a glimpse into Ukraine’s rich culture Sunday, Aug. 24, as the 2025 Ukrainian Folk Festival entertained with music, dance, food and arts.
Held at the Ukrainian American Sport Center, the festival celebrated the 34th anniversary of Ukraine’s independence following the dissolution of the Soviet Union as well as the 75th anniversary of the Center.
Youth dance troupes dazzled attendees with performances of Ukrainian folk dances, including the Hopak and the Kolomyika, while food vendors served a variety of ethnic foods, including borscht and kulish.
The vendor’s grove featured a colorful selection of Ukrainian consumer foods, including embroidered shirts, biblical paintings and pysankas (intricately decorated Ukrainian Easter eggs), as well as displays from several Ukrainian organizations and charities.
Attendees relished in the unique opportunity to experience Ukrainian culture, with particular praise for the food and hospitality.
“I don’t really see a lot of Ukrainian festivals back from where we live in Chester County, so it’s nice to come out and see something for Ukraine,” said Ivy Gaworski, who is Ukrainian and Polish.
“It’s just a great place to gather, with delicious food,” said Amy Wible, whose family is Ukrainian. “It’s a way for us to come together and celebrate the culture and community of Ukrainians in addition to everything that’s going on over there, the unrest.”
“It’s authentic. The food is the best,” said Anthony Marshino. “I’ve never put my hand out in front of somebody and have them not shake it. The hospitality is unbelievable. Ukrainians are very hardworking, loving, good people.”
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Kulish (millet pooridge) is cooked over an open fire. (John Worthington – MediaNews Group)
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Kulish (millet pooridge) is cooked over an open fire. (John Worthington – MediaNews Group)
The celebration comes over three years since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Leading up to the dance performances, speakers paid tribute to Bobby Pietrangelo and Corey John Nawrocki, two local men who died while fighting in the Ukrainian military.
Pietrangelo, 23, of Hilltown, a Pennridge High School graduate, was killed in action in January 2025 near Pokrovsk, Donetsk Oblast, while Nawrocki, 41, of Lansdale, a North Penn High School graduate, was killed in action during a reconnaissance operation in the Bryansk region in October 2024.
“Most people would run and hide from this, but there are those among us who have a heart that is bigger, that have a soul that is a bit more accommodating and loving,” said Eugene Luciw of the Ukrainian American Sport Center.
Local, state and congressional officials conveyed their condolences to the men’s mothers, Dana Fancher and Sandy Nawrocki, who were seated on the stage.
“From one mom to two moms, my heart is with you,” said Congresswoman Madeleine Dean. “They are extraordinary heroes. I will do everything in my power to find peace, to be part of those peacemakers.”
“It’s heartbreaking that we have to be here today, but know that we are proud of the service that Bobby and Corey gave to Ukraine,” said State Rep. Steve Malagari. “May their memory be eternal; their sacrifice never be forgotten. We mourn with you, but we also honor their service too.”
Natalia Mudrenko and Irena Mazur of the Ukrainian embassy presented Fancher and Nawrocki with a flag as a symbol of the Ukrainian state.
“I thank you for your sacrifice, I thank you for bringing these wonderful children to this world,” said Mazur. “I thank you for the way you have parented them.”
“It’s very hard to find the right words to express our deepest respect and gratitude to the brave men who made the ultimate sacrifice,” said Mudrenko. “Thank you. Please continue to help our country, Ukraine. Without you, we can’t fight with our enemy.”
“On behalf of the Ukrainian American community, we dedicate this festival to Bobby and Corey, two sons of Pennsylvania, two defenders of freedom, two beacons of the best of American values,” concluded Bob Desousa, the MC. “Please accept our deepest gratitude and love. We cannot imagine the weight of your loss, but we hope you feel the embrace of the community.”
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MC Bob Desousa dedicates the festival to Corey John Nawrocki and Bobby Pietrangelo, two local men who died while fighting in the Ukrainian army. (John Worthington – MediaNews Group)
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MC Bob Desousa dedicates the festival to Corey John Nawrocki and Bobby Pietrangelo, two local men who died while fighting in the Ukrainian army. (John Worthington – MediaNews Group)
Following the speeches, the Voloshky Ukrainian Dance Ensemble performed Vesnianka, a spring song, sharing the message that Ukraine will rebuild after the war, just as spring blossoms after a cold winter.
Proceeds from the festival benefit the Humanitarian Relief of Victims of War in Ukraine.
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