Ukrainian Village Parade & Festival On Saturday, August 25

Photo Credit: Yevhen Gulenko of Human Artist Photography.

On August 25th, the Ukrainian Village Committee will hold its 9th annual Ukrainian Independence Day Parade in Parma’s Ukrainian Village. The Committee invites all to join them and celebrate this special occasion! The parade procession begins at 11 a.m. on Grantwood Drive, continues north along State Road, and ends at Ukrainian Heritage Park, located across the street from St. Josaphat Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral - 5720 State Road, Parma, Ohio.

The Grand Marshal this year will be Oleh Mahlay. Mr. Mahlay is the artistic director and conductor of the highly acclaimed Ukrainian Bandurist Chorus. Mr. Mahlay, who is a practicing attorney in the Cleveland, Ohio region, also teaches voice and bandura, lectures frequently on various musical topics, conducts workshops throughout North America, and is active in the Kobzarska Sich bandura and vocal camp.

This year’s parade will showcase more than 40 marching units. Parade participants will include Ukrainian church communities, Parma area social clubs, local businesses, the mayor and city council representatives, city school officials, police honor guards, Veterans organizations, floats, and more! Spirited musical numbers will be performed by local high school marching bands.

After the parade, at Ukrainian Heritage Park, there will be a flag raising ceremony celebrating Ukrainian Independence Day.

There will also be a festival at St. Josaphat’s astrodome for all to enjoy! It will run from 12 p.m. to midnight and will offer great prizes, live entertainment, and authentic Ukrainian cuisine.

Questions? Email the Ukrainian Village Committee at ukrainianvillageparade@gmail.com. 

Remember to visit UkrainianVillageParma.org, Facebook.com/UkrainianVillage, and Twitter.com/UkrainianParma to keep up with the latest news in Parma's Ukrainian Village.