Canada's National Ukrainian Festival officially put a bow on what was a year for the record books.
They held their annual general meeting recently at the Dauphin Active Living Centre. The event was open to the public, and as Kayla Gillis says, it was a great evening.
"It was amazing. It was amazing to see quite a few people from the public come," said Gillis. "It was nice to be able to celebrate with them, and not just our board of directors."
The event this past summer was the 60th anniversary. The grandstands were packed all weekend, and it was a Ukrainian display like no other. Gillis confirms it was one of the best years that the festival has ever had.
"I do recall about 10 years ago when I took the chair position, we were sitting in a very tough spot," offered Gillis. "It's really nice to see that we're able to get out of that and are now moving forward. We're sitting fantastically. It's a reassurance that CNUF will run for years to come."
Gillis notes that a younger crowd flocking to the festival site is great to see, and it proves that CNUF is what the community wants. Late last month, the festival announced its first set of performers for the 2026 event.
The Sparkling Tones, Midlife Crisis, Steppe, and Neech were announced to perform. Now, as Gillis and her crew move forward, planning is already underway for the 61st festival next year.
"We never stop planning. We're planning for a few years down the road; you need to be a few years ahead," continued Gillis. "We have some amazing announcements coming in the near future. We will have some great fundraising opportunities."
In the next few months, CNUF will be releasing a 60th anniversary video, capturing the magical moments. As a festivalgoer, you play a massive role in the success of Canada's National Ukrainian Festival.
Without you, there would be no festival. Gillis wants to tip her cap and say thank you.
"Just continue doing what you're doing. It's amazing to see everyone come out and support us," ended Gillis. "The volunteers, our sponsors, entertainers, and fans. Without all of them, this festival wouldn't happen. It is amazing to see the support from Dauphin and the surrounding communities."
What a weekend it was. In 2026, the magic of CNUF returns, just south of Dauphin.
