"Easter Around the World" celebrated in Toronto (04/27/97)

"Easter Around the World" celebrated in Toronto

by Olya Odynska-Grod

TORONTO - "Easter Around the World" was held on Sunday, March 23, at Toronto's Metro Hall. This annual event was sponsored by the Community Folk Arts Council of Metropolitan Toronto. Under the able direction of the council's new executive director, Eneke de Klerk, the council staged a very successful Easter event that brought together 22 nationalities to show off their Easter foods, music, costumes and culture.

Ed Mirvish, the well-known entertainment promoter, businessman and community activist/supporter, officially opened the event. This was followed by a performance of the Polyphonia Ukrainian Children's Choir, directed by Ira Drohobytska. The choir, which has grown in size and quality, performed several spring songs.

Next came the ever-popular "hahilky," presented by the Levada Choir of the Ukrainian Youth Ensembles of Toronto. The very exuberant and joyful performance was so well received that its resulted in an impromptu sing-along with Italian strolling balladeers. A parade of costumes, with brief explanations, concluded the formal part of the program.

New to the event this year was the baking contest in which all Community Folk Arts Council groups were invited to participate. The prizes were generous - $200 for each winning category. The judges were: Marc Oliver of the Ontario Restaurant Association, Mrs. Mirvish and Aleida Limbertie, the past executive director of the Community Folk Arts Council.

The results were as follows: best Easter bread - Ukrainian Canadian Women's Committee; best decorated Easter cake - Serbian Sisters of Duchess Zorka; best-tasting Easter bread - Ukrainian Canadian Women's Committee; and best tasting Easter cake - Swedish Women's Education Committee.

Also new to the event this year was a hands-on "make your own pysanka" table. Spectators were encouraged to try their hand at actually writing a pysanka. This event was quite popular as was the children's table, where children drew designs with markers on boiled eggs.

The Community Folk Arts Council now has 112 member-groups. Upcoming events include "Let's Make a Difference" Showcase of the Arts on May 23-25 at the Scarborough Town Center and a display of different bridal traditions in June (this will also feature bridal costumes/outfits and a contest of best wedding cakes/breads).

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