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Ukraine’s 35th Independence Day was celebrated at Waubuno Beach in Parry Sound on Sunday with an afternoon of Ukrainian music, traditional dance, colourful embroidered dress and activities that brought together Ukrainians from Barrie and Parry Sound with members of the local community.
Blue and yellow framed the celebration, with the Ukrainian trident displayed prominently and a large “35” marking the years since Ukraine declared independence in 1991. Children and adults performed traditional dances, and Ukrainian songs filled the park. The celebration also carried a more solemn meaning. Those gathered paused for a moment of silence to honour Ukraine’s defenders and remember those who have lost their lives defending the country.
The event was organized by Taras and Diana of Duo Cohigh, musicians with Ukrainian roots who are now based in Ontario. Both are singers, songwriters, musicians and music educators who graduated from the R. Glier Kyiv University of Music. Although they attended the same university, they met later at a jam session in Kyiv and formed Cohigh in 2018.
Taras and Diana have developed a strong connection with Parry Sound. The Stockey Centre describes the pair as having come to Parry Sound while travelling aboard a Viking cruise ship and deciding to stay. They performed as Duo Cohigh at the Stockey Centre’s Bands on the Bay in July 2025 and continue to perform throughout Ontario.
Sunday’s event was therefore both a celebration of Ukrainian independence and an example of Ukrainians building community here in Ontario — preserving their music, dance and traditions while sharing them with their new neighbours.
The youngest participants may have made that point best: Ukrainian culture was not simply being remembered at Waubuno Beach; another generation was learning it, performing it and carrying it forward.
