The smell of kielbasy, holubki and potato pancakes filled the air this weekend at the Ukrainian Homestead in Lehighton.

Almost 1,000 people turned out over a two-day period for the 23rd annual Ukrainian Folk Festival.Each year, the festival celebrates Ukrainian culture and the anniversary of Ukrainian independence from the Soviet Union."We always get a lot of new immigrants from Ukraine in this area, and I think they really enjoy an event like this," said Paula Holoviak, of the festival committee. "You don't have to be Ukrainian though to come out and have fun. The commissioners gave us a grant to help with costs and we are very thankful for the great support."While visitors raved about the food, stage performances were the highlight of both days.Performers included the Iskra Ukrainian Dance Ensemble from Whippany, New Jersey, virtuoso violinist Innesa Tymochko-Dekajlo from Lviv, Ukraine, and the Kazka Ukrainian Folk Ensemble from Pottsville."I think the acts are outstanding," said Lidia Zajac of McAdoo. "We come every year and never leave disappointed."The Iskra Ensemble represents many regions of Ukraine, highlighting the colorful indigenous costumes, the individual musical styles and the particular dance movements found in each one.The Kazka Ukrainian Folk Ensemble has been performing in the region since 1987.Located near the main stage, the Banner of Jasna Gora, a living history group, taught visitors about 17th century Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth.Yuri Drukarov, of Spottswood, New Jersey, demonstrated a cutting technique that was used by the Cossacks to sharpen their skills with a sword. To the delight of adults and children alike, he slashed water bottles and soda cans in half."When the Cossacks were fighting the Turks, they used a shamshir sword," Drukarov said. "They wanted a sure wrist and good aim, and this is how they practiced," he said.Many members of the group have ancestors from the lands of the Polish-Lithuanian First Republic and are exploring their heritage.Most of what they portray depicts military aspects, but Drukarov said they also portray aspects of civilian culture of the time from noblemen and their ladies to witty peasants.Culinary options included pirohi, holubki, potato pancakes, shyshlyky, borsch, kielbasy and sauerkraut, as well as American favorites like hot dogs and hamburgers, and a vast selection of sweets.Ukrainian vendors sold embroidery, pottery, wood crafts, jewelry, music and video recordings, religious items and pysanky."I don't think you can go wrong with the food, and on a hot day like this, it's great to have the option for a cold beverage as well," said Kristopher Clay of Maryland.Holoviak has taken notice of the large number of out-of-state visitors over the years."They come in from New York, New Jersey and Maryland," she said. "Sunday is a more of a local day because people come from church and have a meal, but it really does draw a diverse crowd."The Homestead hosts events throughout the year.A potato bake, pig roast and concert will be held Oct. 3.For information, visit

www.ukrhomestead.com.