F.A.Q. (Frequently Asked Questions)
What does the Ukrainian Village do?
We primarily host the Ukrainian Village as part of the Brantford International Villages Festival. This includes our dancers, preparations of the hall prior to the Villages and cooking food. We have also hosted fund-raisers to support Ukrainians who have settled in the community including an annual Christmas party and pierogi sales.
How can I help?
There are many ways to help. Children and young adults can join our dance group. Adults with previous dance experience can join our "Senior Senior" dance group. Volunteers are always needed to help prepare food and set up our village hall in the weeks prior to the Brantford International Villages Festival. We also require volunteers on any or all of the four nights of the Villages.
So what if I want to dance?
We would love to have you join our Village Ukraina dancers! Registration is in September every year - we currently practice at Major Ballachey school with practices between 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm depending on the age/level group in which you are participating. Cost is $200 for the year - if you have more than one dancer in your family, the price drops to $175 for each additional dancer. There is also a fee for the dance costume that is required for the Villages. The cost varies depending on the costume (we have some great parents, volunteers and Babas in the Village who will help with making costumes if you need help.) The costume fee is usually around $100 but, again, these can vary. If a child wants to take part but cost is an issue - no worries. We will do everything we can to ensure that kids who want to dance in the Ukrainian Village can do so!
So what if I want to cook?
THANK YOU!!! This is a very busy job but one that visitors to our Village look forward to each year. We make by hand most of our food items (cabbage rolls, meat on a stick, borscht, meatballs, sauerkraut, carrot cake etc.) A special shout out to the PJ Culinary program who make delicious cookies for us. We designate preparation days in the weeks prior to the Village. We will even provide the hair net.
How about volunteering during the Villages Festival?
We have jobs...lots of jobs...that need to get done: stamping entry passports, serving food, clearing tables, scraping and washing dishes - there is always lots to do. For students who would like to complete volunteer hours - we can help. In the past, we have had students volunteer on night one and then ask if they can help on the other three nights (we think that they had fun and it wasn't just because they ate some fantastic Ukrainian food during the evening.) Contact us if you would like to volunteer.
I've heard about the Ukrainian Village and I really want to attend. Can I reserve a seat?
Unfortunately, no. We take great pride in being a very popular Village and we truly feel bad when the hall is full and we have to tell those in line that we have no more seats available. The Fire Code prevents standing room so it's first come, first admitted - and no, you can't reserve a seat for someone who is parking the car or coming later. Sorry.
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We tend to be very busy for every show and dozens of people line up well in advance to get into the next performance. We admit people in advance of the show time designated in the Brantford International Villages passport (as soon as all plates are cleared and the food is ready to go, the doors open). Patrons get seats (flip over your placemat to "Reserved") and then line up for food and drinks. The show performance is usually 40 minutes long and, yes, it can get very loud as the energy of our crowd is as much a part of the show as the performers on stage. The crowd exits and we do it all again!
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Best advice - arrive early, come hungry, get your seat when you get inside, get your food and drinks and enjoy the show! If you are waiting - well, we think it's worth the wait. Ask many of those who join us every year (and who you will meet in line). We think that they will agree.
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A quick reminder - the Ukrainian Village is CASH ONLY. This helps the line move quickly.
Do you have sponsors?
Yes, we do. There are multiple sponsorship opportunities but they are limited in number. Information about sponsorships is available by emailing or speaking with a member of our Board of Directors.