Photo by James Short.
The Ukrainian Folk Festival 2025 was held at the Ukrainian American Sport Center – Tryzub in Horsham on Sunday, Aug. 24. The event celebrated the 34th anniversary of Ukraine’s independence and featured a full day of Ukrainian cultural programming, food, music, and family activities.
The festival began with the main concert program, “Celebrate Liberty and Unity,” where musicians highlighted the spirit and traditions of the Ukrainian people through dance, music, and song. The performance was designed to recognize Ukraine’s independence and the unity and resilience of its people.
Attendees relished in the unique opportunity to experience Ukrainian culture, with particular praise for the food and hospitality.
“I don’t really see a lot of Ukrainian festivals back from where we live in Chester County, so it’s nice to come out and see something for Ukraine,” said Ivy Gaworski, who is Ukrainian and Polish.
The celebration comes over three years since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Leading up to the dance performances, speakers paid tribute to Bobby Pietrangelo and Corey John Nawrocki, two local men who died while fighting in the Ukrainian military.
Pietrangelo, 23, of Hilltown, a Pennridge High School graduate, was killed in action in January 2025 near Pokrovsk, Donetsk Oblast, while Nawrocki, 41, of Lansdale, a North Penn High School graduate, was killed in action during a reconnaissance operation in the Bryansk region in October 2024.
“Most people would run and hide from this, but there are those among us who have a heart that is bigger, that have a soul that is a bit more accommodating and loving,” said Eugene Luciw of the Ukrainian American Sport Center.
The featured performers included:
In addition to performances, the festival included a variety of food and cultural activities. Attendees enjoyed traditional Ukrainian foods and baked goods, a BBQ pit and picnic fare, Ukrainian arts and crafts, cultural exhibits, vendor displays, and live reenactments.
This year’s festival also marked the 75th anniversary of the Ukrainian American Sport Center, a nonprofit organization serving the region through sports, culture, youth programming, and community events. With over 500 member families, the Center provides open space and programs that are accessible to the general public at little or no cost. Proceeds from the festival benefit charitable, cultural, athletic, and humanitarian efforts.
