Khmelnychenky Plast fraternity's dance rocks Wildwood Crest (09/25/05)

Khmelnychenky Plast fraternity's dance rocks Wildwood Crest

by Adrian Horodecky

WILDWOOD CREST, N.J. - A multitude of beachgoers danced and partied at the "zabava" (dance) organized by the Khmelnychenky fraternity of Plast Ukrainian Scouting Organization here at the Crest Pier Recreation Center on Friday, August 26.

The Crest Pier was jammed with young Ukrainians dancing the night away to live music by the Luna band and to CD mixes played through the sound system. The scene was equally festive on the pier's spacious deck, where a packed crowd of longtime Wildwood vacationers had a chance to reunite with old friends. The Khmel dance provided a perfect forum for all Ukrainians to gather in a safe and convenient family setting for a great time.

The children's dance was held at 8-9:30 p.m. Parents joined in the dancing and captured the magical moments of the "Party Ptashat" on video and film. At 9:30 p.m. the Spartanky sorority held an auction of donated items. Proceeds from the auction and the dance will be donated to the Vovcha Tropa Plast campground improvement fund.

At 10 p.m. the youth "vechirka" began with Luna playing a set of rock 'n roll and concluded with the traditional and lively "kolomyika." The teenagers had the darkened dance floor all to themselves, while the adults conversed out of sight on the deck.

After the dance ended, the party shifted across Crocus Road to the Park Lane Motel, where Ukrainian singing and accordion-playing were heard well into the night.

Reflecting on their success, the Khmeli said they are proud to host such an event that reflected well on them, on Plast and the Ukrainian community. The Khmelnychenky hope to see all again next year.

The Khmelnychenky welcome comments and suggestions on how to improve the dance. Please e-mail Adrian Horodecky at adrian@telligys.com. Wildwood dance photos may be viewed in the galleries section at www.xmel.org.

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