Journey to the Homestead in the Poconos to experience a piece of Ukraine (05/04/03)

A Ukrainian Summer: where to go, what to do...

Journey to the Homestead in the Poconos to experience a piece of Ukraine

by Ihor Czenstuch

LEHIGHTON, Pa. - At the southern foothills of the Pocono Mountains, just five miles from the Pennsylvania Turnpike (NE Extension, Exit 34), one finds the Ukrainian Homestead - a piece of Ukraine on 200 acres owned by the Organization for the Rebirth of Ukraine (ODVU). For over 40 years, this resort, or "oselia," in Lehighton, Pa., 75 miles north of Philadelphia and 90 miles west of New York City, has been the summer home for many individuals and groups.

Recently, this Ukrainian resort has experienced a resurgence of activity. Adults who as youngsters spent many summers at the Homestead are now bringing their children. Third- and fourth-generation Ukrainians from the coal mining regions of Pennsylvania are revisiting their roots, and new arrivals from Ukraine are finding a haven.

The Ukrainian Homestead is occupied year-round by skiers, bikers, campers, rafters, hunting and fishing enthusiasts, conventioneers and vacationers enjoying nearby attractions such as the quaint town of Jim Thorpe and the many ski resorts. Weddings, christenings and family reunions also are a common occurrence.

The Ukrainian Homestead offers motel rooms, bungalows, campsites, barbecue areas, a swimming pool, a dance hall and a social club. An active open-air chapel also graces the grounds.

Throughout the summer, the Home-stead hosts several camps: the Ukrainian Gold Cross Children's Camp, the Kazka Dance Camp and the Voloshky Dance Workshop, as well as a Mountain Bike Camp and a Paintball Camp, sponsored respectively, by Plast's Burlaky and Khrestonostsi fraternaties.

The highlight of the summer is the annual Ukrainian Folk Festival held on the third weekend in August to commemorate Ukraine's independence. Over 1,000 spectators come from many regions of Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Delaware and Maryland to experience traditional song and dance performed by groups from the United States and Canada. Guests feast on Ukrainian foods, enjoy arts and crafts presented by many vendors, and dance the night away at the "zabava" on Saturday night.

This year's festival will take place on August 16-17. In addition to performances by the Kazka Ukrainian Folk Ensemble, the Voloshky Performing Dance Academy, the Vidlunnia Music Ensemble and others, the special guest performers will be the renowned Ukraina Dance Ensemble from Toronto.

The traditional "Dyviziinyky" potato bake and dance are held in late September.

For more information or to make reservations, call the Ukrainian Homestead at (610) 377-4621 or (215) 235-3709 or e-mail oselia@ptd.net. Visit the website www.odwu.org for a complete schedule of events.

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