A Humble Beginning
Samantha started in Folklorama in 2007 as a member of a Ukrainian dance group, and one day, a call for volunteers was posted on Facebook. Intrigued, she signed up, having no idea what lay ahead. Up until then, she had performed at the Ukraine Kyiv Pavilion but was unaware that it was part of a much larger, multicultural Festival. That realization opened a world of possibilities and excitement.
Samantha began attending other Pavilions during the week opposite to Ukraine Kyiv Pavilion, immersing herself in the diverse cultural experiences Folklorama had to offer. Each Pavilion was a new adventure, filled with unique traditions, foods, and performances. Before long, She started organizing groups of friends to explore the Festival with her, sharing the joy and wonder of discovering Manitoba’s cultural mosaic.
Growing with the Festival
In 2010, Samantha’s commitment to Folklorama deepened when she was invited to join the Ukraine Kyiv Pavilion’s organizing committee. It was an incredible honour, to give back to a community that had given her so much. Over the years, her involvement grew, and in 2020, was selected to be one of the Adult Ambassadors. Although the Festival was postponed due to the pandemic, her dream came true in 2022 when Folklorama returned, and she proudly represented the Ukraine Kyiv Pavilion.
2023 was a milestone year as Samantha was selected as one of the Adult Ambassadors General, a role that allowed her to visit every single Pavilion. The experience was nothing short of magical. One of the highlights was the Mystery Tour, an exclusive journey through the Festival’s hidden gems. I enjoyed it so much that I decided to volunteer as a Tour Guide for this year’s Festival, in addition to my ongoing work at the Ukraine Kyiv Pavilion.
Memorable Moments at the Kick-Off
This year marks Samantha’s third time participating in the Folklorama Kick-Off. Her first experience was in 2022, where she attended as a Pavilion Ambassador, and recalls how exhilarating to walk among the crowd, hand out travel guides, pose for countless photos, and be introduced on stage. The following year, as the Adult Ambassador General, Samantha was able to co-host the show and introduced all the Pavilion Ambassadors.
One of her most cherished memories from these experiences was meeting children who had recently moved to Canada from Ukraine. They recognized Samantha’s traditional attire from across the field and ran over to say hello. Their smiles and excitement warmed her heart and was a reminder of the importance of cultural representation and connection.
Looking Forward
As Samantha prepares for this year’s Festival, She is most excited about spending the day outdoors, meeting the diverse array of people who come out to celebrate, and enjoying the incredible performances on stage. There is something truly special about seeing so many cultures represented in one place, united in celebration and community!
A Message to Future Volunteers
To anyone considering volunteering for Folklorama, Samantha’s advice is simple: jump right in! Volunteering is an incredible way to connect with the cultural community, learn new skills, and discover the rich tapestry of cultures within our city. It is a rewarding experience that enriches both the volunteer and the community, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of the diverse world we live in.
Samantha’s journey with Folklorama has been one of growth, connection, and joy. From a curious volunteer to an Ambassador each step has been filled with unforgettable moments and meaningful experiences. She is proud to be part of a Festival that celebrates diversity and brings people together and looks forward to many more years of involvement with Folklorama.
