Newport celebrates Ukraine community

Inna Kovtun

Newport business leaders have joined together with the Ukrainian Foundation to showcase the unique and resilient culture of Oregon’s Ukrainian community at Celebrate Ukraine, this Sunday, Nov. 12.

This all-ages event will highlight the food, music, crafts and history of this indomitable cultural group.

The highlight of the event will be a soul-stirring performance by critically acclaimed Ukrainian folk singer Inna Kovtun. A seasoned international performer, Kovtun relocated to Portland with her daughter at the beginning of the Russian-Ukrainian conflict in 2022. Newport-based musician David Konowalchuk will also be on hand to regale the crowd with his family tradition of Cossack violin music.

Native Ukrainians will be on hand to teach about the art, culture, history and customs of their people. Guests can learn customary handicrafts such as dollmaking, and walk away with contemporary souvenirs including books, t-shirts and more, with proceeds benefiting the Ukrainian Foundation and local displaced Ukrainian families.

Foodies will delight in an assortment of time-honored Ukrainian fare including borshch, a traditional vegetable soup, as well as breads, cheeses, smoked meats and desserts.

Raffle prizes including gift cards to local eateries, handmade quilts, and more will be available.

Celebrate Ukraine will take place from 2 to 5 pm at Sterncastle Publishing, 1682 N Coast Hwy., in the Seatowne Shopping Center in Newport. For more information, call 541-264-8046.