On Saturday August 12, 2017 the Ukrainian community in Hamilton participated in the 7th annual Ukrainian Day on the Bay. The event was organized by the Ukrainian Canadian Congress - Hamilton Branch and sponsored by Buduchnist Credit Union and the Ukrainian Credit Union in Hamilton.
The boat cruise began with boarding from Pier 4 Park onto the Hamilton Harbour Queen, which sits next to the pier where HMCS Haida is docked. The HMCS Haida is a Tribal-class destroyer that served in the Royal Canadian Navy from 1943 to 1963, participating in World War II and the Korean War.
Approximately 200 people boarded the Hamilton Harbour Queen, which proceeded to sail around Burlington Bay. Over three hours guests were able to see landmark sights including the Hamilton Harbour, Skyway Bridge, Willow Cove, and Bayfront Park. The DJ for the event was none other than John Hucul – trumpeter for the Zirka zabava band. In addition to entertaining the crowd with music, he also announced the winners of a dozen different door and lottery prizes. Guests were treated to a traditional Ukrainian lunch which included sauerkraut, kobasa and perogies, which could be accompanied with a nice cold glass of Lvivske beer.
Antonina Kumka, UCC Hamilton’s President, said that “This was one of the most successful Ukrainian Day on the Bay cruises ever. The atmosphere was friendly, warm and relaxed. The organizational team was immaculate. UCC Hamilton volunteers did a great job and our guests were extremely happy.”
In the sea of Ukrainian embroidery there could be heard sounds of the accordion and guests breaking out into song and some even in dance (this author’s father is included in the latter group). The warm summer day ended where it began, at Pier 4 Park in Hamilton, and one can only assume that planning for next year’s Ukrainian Day on the Bay will soon begin by the very dedicated voluntary team of UCC Hamilton. Until next year!
On Saturday August 12, 2017 the Ukrainian community in Hamilton participated in the 7th annual Ukrainian Day on the Bay. The event was organized by the Ukrainian Canadian Congress - Hamilton Branch and sponsored by Buduchnist Credit Union and the Ukrainian Credit Union in Hamilton.
Approximately 200 people boarded the Hamilton Harbour Queen, which proceeded to sail around Burlington Bay. Over three hours guests were able to see landmark sights including the Hamilton Harbour, Skyway Bridge, Willow Cove, and Bayfront Park. The DJ for the event was none other than John Hucul – trumpeter for the Zirka zabava band. In addition to entertaining the crowd with music, he also announced the winners of a dozen different door and lottery prizes. Guests were treated to a traditional Ukrainian lunch which included sauerkraut, kobasa and perogies, which could be accompanied with a nice cold glass of Lvivske beer. 
Antonina Kumka, UCC Hamilton’s President, said that “This was one of the most successful Ukrainian Day on the Bay cruises ever. The atmosphere was friendly, warm and relaxed. The organizational team was immaculate. UCC Hamilton volunteers did a great job and our guests were extremely happy.”
