In the beginning days of our church community, Bishop Garbro granted Father Shari the authority to establish a place of worship, and thus, the land at Cumberland and Argyle was acquired. At the time, the property was scarcely more than a lone farmhouse, which became the home of Father Shari and Father Demetrius Kowalczyk. A modest but devoted group of families formed the initial parishioners. As the church began to flourish, the first structure erected was what we now know as the Parish Life Center. Though initially serving as a church, it was always intended to be more than that. With a choir and a splendid ikonostas, the community was driven by the aspiration to raise funds for a new, magnificent church. Faced with this challenge, an ingenious idea took shape: a carnival.
Thus, the “Acres of Fun” was conceived – a grand eleven-day event that unfolded right here on the parish grounds. Auxiliary buildings, referred to affectionately as the “barracks,” were constructed to serve as staging areas, complete with a bar and a pizza stand run by Mr. Melnyk. The carnival grounds were adorned with rides, including a Ferris wheel and a Tilt-A-Whirl, and featured attractions for children as well as games of chance.
This vibrant event took place between the 1960s and 1970s, with the entire parish contributing to its success. Families, including the Bereza, Melnyk, Presslak, Sawkiw, Durbak, Coleman, Dumanczuk, Deeds, Zaobiedny, Zaobiedna, Deeds, Saukiews, Kozaks, among others, dedicated themselves to making the carnival a success. Father Shari was a distinctive figure, navigating the festivities with his shillelagh—a traditional Irish walking stick—which he used to gently guide any unruly behavior with a nudge and a reminder of proper conduct.
The carnival, aptly named “Acres of Fun,” was not just an event but a celebration of diversity. Each night highlighted different ethnic cuisines—American, Ukrainian, Chinese, Italian, German, and Irish—culminating in the grand finale, “I Am an American Day,” which featured live music from various bands.
Volunteers, representing both Ukrainian and non-Ukrainian backgrounds, came together to ensure the carnival’s success This spirit of inclusivity was a testament to the sense of community and shared purpose. Through our collective efforts, we raised the necessary funds to build the beautiful church that now stands as a testament to our hard work and dedication, a place where everyone is welcome to gather and celebrate.
This carnival was more than a fundraising effort—it was a manifestation of community spirit, cultural celebration, and the enduring commitment of the parishioners.
In 2007, to the parish of St. Joseph the bridegroom was appointed young and the initiative priest Fr. Mykola Buryadnyk. One of his wishes and the idea was to restore the former multi-day parish festival “Acres of Fun”.
And already at the end of September 2008, the first picnic festival was held under name “UKetoberfest”. The name “UKetoberfest” is derived in part from the month of October (when we were thinking about the name of the festival ended September), but with changes to the first two letters in English. UK(UKRAINE). In that year, all performances took place on the stage under the church, and between the church and parish office was set up a tent for guests. Skewers and the food was prepared by sestrynstvo, bratstvo youth parishes, coffee and sweets – provided by lady from “Spirit of St Joseph”.
In 2009, the parish began to grow, so the plan was to move the festival to the square behind the parish house. A big stage and a tent were set up there with a variety of Ukrainian food and inviting various vendors. In the following years, the festival grewin size and popularity thanks to the rich entertainment program. The most famous Ukrainian and local bands were always invited to the festival, along with performers and dance groups, and all of was prepared by sisterhood, brotherhood and volunteers of the parish. In past years, the proceeds collected from the festival were directed to reconstruction and improvement of the church and parish needs. With the beginning war in Ukraine, most of the funds go to help Ukraine in various needs (aid to the army, treatment and rehabilitation of wounded soldiers etc.).
UKETOBERFEST - це ЦІКАВОКОРИСНОЗАХОПЛЮЮЧЕСМАЧНО