"With Ukraine in the Heart"

Two days of unity, culture, music, and the indomitable Ukrainian spirit, that's how the festival held in picturesque Richmond will be remembered. It was not just a celebration, but an event that once again proved: wherever Ukrainians live, they always carry love for their homeland in their hearts.

The first day of the festival, Saturday, was rainy. But the whims of the weather did not deter the organizers, participants, or the numerous guests. Despite the rain, the festival was alive, resonating with Ukrainian songs, filled with genuine smiles and warm meetings. The atmosphere was so bright and inspiring that the bad weather only emphasized the strength of the Ukrainian character.

The festival gained special spiritual significance with the sincere blessing of Bishop Benedict, which became a symbol of unity, faith, and God's protection over the Ukrainian community. His words of support, prayers for Ukraine, for its defenders, and for all Ukrainians scattered around the world, reminded everyone that faith helps overcome the hardest trials and maintain hope for the future.

The rain did not cease... It thought it was stronger than the Ukrainian community... Fool! What it truly managed to do was refresh the air and witness how Ukrainian songs, children's laughter, and sincere hugs warmed hearts. People came to the festival grounds with umbrellas, in raincoats, without anger at the weather, but with smiles on their faces and a desire to be together.

Talented performers took turns on stage. The performances of young artists, who were born here in the United States but sing Ukrainian songs, dance folk dances, and preserve the traditions of their ancestral land with amazing love and pride, were captivating. They are living proof that Ukraine is not limited by geographical borders but lives in every subsequent generation of its children even far beyond these borders.

Believe me: every performance at the festival was more than just a concert number. It was a story about love for the Motherland, about memory, about ancestral roots. The audience generously applauded the artists, and the hosts with successful creative characteristics and kind jokes (especially the humorist Hryts Drapak) supported each performer.

Throughout the two days, the festival stage truly buzzed with talents. Along with local groups and performers, unforgettable moments were gifted to the attendees by guests from Washington, the incredible trio Voda Voice, and guests from Ukraine.

With great pleasure, the audience welcomed the beloved Skylerr, whose songs evoked an incredible surge of emotions. Special guests of the festival were the children of the People's Artist of Ukraine, the legend of Ukrainian music Stepan Higa – Stepan Higa Jr. and Kvitoslava Higa. Their songs, familiar to everyone, united hundreds of voices in a common song. And, of course, a true highlight of the festival was the presentation of ethnic clothing from the collection of the famous artist Roksolana Prokopiv — it was showcased by talented girl models from the StarKids school (led by Kateryna Hrod). This collection of attire from each region of Ukraine once again demonstrated that Ukrainian attire is not just a tradition and not just a tribute to the past, but also a beauty that enriches contemporary art and modern fashion.

The festival organizers did not forget about the youngest guests. For children, there were interesting playgrounds with entertainment, creative activities, and games, and even a small zoo with funny animals. Children's laughter echoed everywhere, where little Ukrainians did not hold back their positive emotions, creating the atmosphere of a true family celebration.

Traditionally, one of the most beloved locations for festival-goers was Ukrainian cuisine. The aroma of homemade dumplings, shashlik, cabbage rolls, sweet pastries, and other delicacies gathered those eager to taste dishes prepared with love and for the good health of good people. And over the treats, new acquaintances were born, warm conversations and memories of home were shared.

The participation of Ukrainian soldiers undergoing treatment in the United States became a touching part of the festival celebration. Their presence gave the festival special meaning. Everyone had the opportunity to thank our Heroes, shake hands, offer words of support, or simply embrace them. And, of course, make financial donations to funds that care for the fate of our wounded defenders.

I must say that an event of such scale, as the "With Ukraine in the Heart" festival in Richmond, could not have taken place without the people who remained, so to speak, behind the scenes. That is why special words of gratitude are addressed to the volunteers. These are the people who dedicated countless hours to preparing the festival, who worked many days before and during the festival from early morning until late evening. Their dedication, selflessness, love for the Ukrainian community, and desire to make the festival unforgettable became the foundation of the festival's success.

Yes, the most sincere words of gratitude are deserved by the organizers of this incredible festival event: the administrator of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church in Richmond, Father Ihor Khomytskyi, the parish council and its head Volodymyr Shymkiv, the brotherhood, and the sisterhood. 

Father Ihor rightly says that the Lord has blessed their parish with wonderful people. Thanks to their perseverance, responsibility, professionalism, and great love for Ukraine, Richmond has once again become a place where Ukrainian culture sounds loud and passionate, where new acquaintances are born, the community is strengthened, and invaluable traditions are passed on to our children.

The "With Ukraine in the Heart" festival once again became not just a cultural event, but a living testimony that the Ukrainian heart beats equally strongly in Ukraine and thousands of kilometers away from the homeland. It gave hope that our language, culture, song, and traditions will live on in future generations. Because Ukraine is not just the land where we or our parents were born. Ukraine is what we have in our hearts. It is thanks to such festivals that we not only preserve our culture but also help those who need it most.

The "With Ukraine in the Heart" festival has ended, but its atmosphere will live on in the memories of everyone who became part of these two unforgettable days, and will continue to live in every blue-and-yellow heart! Do you agree with my conclusion if you were at the festival? Or do you regret it if you could have been there but for some reason did not come? Every decision is always yours. Especially since the festival summer in Chicago continues.