The Lloydminster Ukrainian Cultural Association and Malanka Dancers is still celebrating after its first-annual Vesna on the Border.
The spring celebration, held in the WLS Convention Centre at the Lloydminster Exhibition on May 3, brought together food, dance and Ukrainian traditions. The atmosphere was festive from the moment guests arrived.
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“Guests were greeted at the door by our Hospodyna’s and offered a complimentary traditional vodka shot,” said Amanda Graf, event organizer.
The event included a 45-minute dance recital starting with the traditional Pryvit “welcome” dance. Guests also enjoyed a full Ukrainian meal.
“There was a chance to mingle and visit before our dancers kick off,” said Graf. “Guests then enjoyed a traditional Ukrainian meal with fan favorites, perogies, cabbage rolls, nalyshnyky, and cream sauce.”
The evening also featured raffles, door prizes, and a candy bar. A performance by the award-winning band Millenia capped the night.
“The night really kicked into gear when Millenia hit the stage,” said Graf. “They play a combination of Ukrainian and contemporary music and had us dancing until the wee hours of the morning.”
This event replaced the group’s previous winter celebration, the Malanka Dine and Dance.
“As a club, we decided to move the event to the spring,” said Graf. “We found the January celebrations were difficult to continue right after Christmas and we were often dealing with bad weather.”
Additionally, the change helped bring in more guests and more support from the community.
“We have members who are non-Ukrainian and support comes in from our entire community year to year,” said Graf.
This year’s sponsors included Royal Summit Homes, Lillias Cleaning Service, Musgrave Agencies and Lucky Bastard Distilleries, among others.
Graf said the Vesna on the Border event means a lot to the dancers and their families.
“This event serves as our students’ year-end recital and will mark their final performance of the year,” she said.
The Malanka Dancers practice every week beginning in December and recently returned from competitions with 34 gold medals.
“Our dancers were ready to showcase their skills and celebrate,” said Graf.
However, the celebration also carried deeper meaning due to current events in Ukraine.
“Being able to come together as a club and community to celebrate the amazing facets of the Ukrainian culture is more important than ever,” said Graf. “We have many members and alumni who are or have been directly affected by the war.”
Meanwhile, the club is already planning next year’s Vesna on the Border for May 2, 2026.
“We will be taking registrations for dancers this summer … no experience necessary,” said Graf.
The group will begin its new dance season in the fall.
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