Blog

We're excited to have Marango Pie performing at the Music Jam again this year AND providing the music during dance performance costume changes Saturday afternoon. Check out this unique and talented group. Read on... As recent as spring 2016 the musicians in Marango Pie had no idea that they would be playing together in a Ukrainian/Gypsy band. It started with the Pigeon Lake area trio of Ernie Miciak (mandolin), Trevor Payne (guitar) and Robert Kochan (flutes, whistles, drymba, percussion).... More...

Back for a second year are the Chudovyi Ukrainian Dancers of Innisfree. And while we don’t agree with their spelling of Borshch, we love the fun inherent in their performance of this number. Be sure to cheer them on Sunday! In 2017 we’re excited to bring the talent of the Vegreville School of Ukrainian Dancing’s Promin Adult Dancers to Babas & Borshch audiences. This school is 44 years old and exists to promote Ukrainian dance, culture and traditions. Artistic D... More...

Get your toes tapping to the talented musicians performing on our Outdoor Music Jam Stage. Within sight of food vendors, kids’ inflatables, beer garden and more, you won’t miss any outdoor action. Don’t forget sunscreen, a hat, and maybe a lawn chair. Feel free to grab a dance partner! New this year and adding to the ‘festival feel’ will be Buskers! Thanks to music jam organizer Charlie Gargus, stage sponsor, Tri-Line Carriers, and all the talent for makin... More...

Five years in, we know something about our festival visitors. They are Ukrainians and ‘wannabes.’ They are young and old and everything in between. They come as multi-generational family groups, couples, individuals. They come for nostalgic reasons or for first-time exposure to the rich Ukrainian culture. Baba and Dido want to be sure their kids and grandkids understand where they came from and why it’s important. Our visitors love that we combine serious learning opport... More...

Smachnoho! If the mere thought of pyrohy, borshch, holubtsi and more makes you drool you’ve come to the right place! With one exception, all food concessions will be outside in sight of the Music Jam, Beer Garden, and Kid’s Activities. Be sure to get and redeem your coupon for a FREE borshch sample at any of the 5 Ukrainian food concessions! “A Taste for Life” Ukrainian Kafé & Bistro by St. John’s Institute, Edmonton are the 2017 Zabava cater... More...

Now that you’ve decided to attend the 5th Annual Babas & Borshch Festival in Lamont August 26-27, you need someplace to lay your sweet head! If you bring your own accommodation (tent or RV) no problemo….we’ve got you covered. A designated area is available for only $20/night. No power but the dump station is adjacent to the festival grounds. While we can’t accept reservations, we will sell you a pass when you arrive. Check in at the Information Table at the ... More...

In 2017, we’re excited about the potential of Baba’s Bazaar. Both vendors and festival visitors will benefit from: • The larger space that combines Bazaar + Beer Garden + ATCO sound stage • Dance performances by Edmonton’s MY Ukrainian Dance Academy, 2 tiny solo dancers, and 3--count ‘em--3 adult dance groups (Promin-Vegreville, Vatra-Edmonton, and Chudovyi-Innisfree). Made possible in part by the generosity of the Vegreville Cultural Society in lending t... More...