Toronto Malanka celebrates its 50th year

by Oksana Zakydalsky

TORONTO - North America's most popular celebration of the Ukrainian New Year - the Toronto Plast's Malanka - marked its 50th year on January 10. Invited guests included politicians of all three levels of government as the Parkdale-High Park riding (district) includes Bloor West Village, home of the Plast headquarters and center of Ukrainian organizational and commercial life in the city.

Federal Member of Parliament Sarmite Bulte has often been a sponsor for grants for summer student jobs, which help in the production of Plast publications.

Long-standing member of the provincial parliament, Gerard Kennedy, was recently appointed minister of education in the newly elected Liberal government.

The new mayor of Toronto, David Miller - who showed up in a Ukrainian embroidered shirt under his tuxedo, the latest fashion among young Ukrainians - was formerly the city councillor for the area.

This year's program included a Cabaret show, choreographed by Marusia Spolsky and led by professional stage actress Lada Darewych. There were over 1,000 participants of which about 25 percent came from outside Toronto, from places as far away as California and Alberta.

Copyright © The Ukrainian Weekly, January 25, 2004, No. 4, Vol. LXXII

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