Tanya Dzekon
Staff Writer

The Ukrainian Heritage Club of Northern California held their 50th Ukrainian Festival in Golden Gate Park. This year it took place on August 24, to commemorate Ukrainian Independence Day, the day that Ukraine separated from the Soviet Union and became an independent state in 1991. Although it featured Ukrainian Cossack dancing, Ukrainian folk songs (played on traditional Ukrainian instruments like the Balalaika), and Ukrainian national costumes, the host of the festival continuously reminded the audience, most of whom were first and second generation Ukrainian immigrants, that it was currently a difficult time at home.