St. Nicholas picnic celebrates 85th anniversary, shows solidarity for Ukraine

Jul. 3—PRIMROSE — Good food, good entertainment and good friends made for the perfect day Saturday as the St. Nicholas Parish Picnic kicked off at St. Nicholas Hall off Route 901.

The picnic, sponsored by St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Church in Minersville, celebrated its 85th anniversary in 2022, missing only 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Rev. Mark Fesniak, pastor, said this year's picnic has a special meaning because of the invasion of Ukraine by Russia earlier this year.

"We have parishioners who have family in Ukraine or have ancestors who came from there," he said. "We are proudly flying both the American flag and the Ukraine flag to show our support."

Fesniak said that the picnics are enjoyed by not only members of the parish but also by the community, with some people who moved away coming back for the weekend.

"This is something people look forward to and we know they are glad we are back," Fesniak said.

In addition to entertainment, picnic goers were able to eat traditional, handmade Ukrainian foods, such as pierogies, halupki and halushki, along with more traditional picnic foods, such as hamburgers, hot dogs, barbeque, city chicken and bean soup.

"It's all here and it's all good," the pastor said.

Fesniak said both parishioners and friends of the church band together to make the traditional foods the same way their mothers, grandmothers and ancestors have for more than 100 years.

"We're keeping the tradition alive," he said.

Connie Brophy, parish secretary, said her grandfather, John Demcher, helped at the first picnic 85 years ago. She said her father, also John Demcher, was active in keeping the event a success.

Brophy said two of her children who now live in Philadelphia made the trip to their hometown to help.

"People who have moved away come back to help and enjoy. This is how you keep your parish alive," she said. "For me, it's a family tradition."

In addition to providing an enjoyable atmosphere, Brophy said the parish is showing solidarity for Ukraine and keeping everyone victimized by the war in their thoughts and prayers.

"Our tables have Ukrainian flags as decorations. It's our way of showing our support for their cause," she said.

Speaking on the traditional foods, Brophy said some parishioners who are in their 80s are battling the heat to make their ancestors' recipes available for others to enjoy.

"Everyone works together; it doesn't matter what the age. It's just nice to be back," she said, referring to the two missed years.

On Saturday, musical entertainment was provided by band Sapphire, while the Shoreliners will perform at 1 p.m. Sunday, followed by Top Shelf at 5 p.m.

Joseph Neiswender and Eloise Pauly, of Minersville, are big fans of Sapphire and said there is no better way to enjoy their music than surrounded by good food and friends.

"We missed the last two years," Pauly said. "We're for the band and the crazy, funny people we met over the years."

Neiswender said that although he is not Ukrainian, he feels for the people of Ukraine and what they are going through.

"That's nonsense over there," he said of Russia's invasion. "It will take them (Ukraine residents) a long time to get back to normal if they ever can."

Jerry Kamenas, of Palo Alto, and his wife, Carol, came to the picnic mainly for the food.

While Jerry carried a plate of bleenies — or potato pancakes — to a table, his wife waited in line for her orders of pierogies, halupki and halushki.

"We enjoy the food and we enjoy coming here," Jerry Kamenas said. "There is good food and good people."

Fesniak said he hopes the picnic is able to continue for another 85 years and remain a main social event for not only Minersville but the surrounding communities.

"We're trying to keep it alive, keep it going, and hope and pray we are able to do that," he said.