A Cirque du Soleil performer has died in a Montreal hospital after suffering head injuries when he fell off a trampoline while training Friday.

The Cirque issued a statement Saturday saying Oleksandr Zhurov, a Ukrainian in his 20s, had died. The accident happened during a regular training session at a Montreal facility where the international troupe rehearses for shows.

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“Sacha was part of the extended Cirque family for the few months he was among us,” he said. “An incident like this reminds us of the courage and determination displayed by our artists each and every day. They are exceptional human beings who share their talents with great generosity.”

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Our deepest condolences go out to his family.

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Yarmarok 2009 announced at St. Mary’s in Mississauga (Updated)

October 18, 2009 Andrew 1 Comment

Check out photos from this years event!

A reader sent in that this year’s Yarmarok at St. Mary’s Dormition Ukrainian Catholic Church in Mississauga, ON will be happening on November 14th and 15th. More details to come.

You can view pictures from last year’s event.

Update: Here’s this year’s flyer: Continue reading Yarmarok 2009 announced at St. Mary’s in Mississauga (Updated) →

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Ukrainian festival’s variety show to help raise funds for local Steelworkers

October 15, 2009 Andrew Leave a comment

From Sudbury Northern Life:

Yarmarok Festival celebrates 35th year

Steelworkers Local 6500 will get support from members of the Ukrainian community this Saturday evening, Oct. 17.

Ukrainian artists, Chinese Heritage dancers, Irish Heritage dancers and Sudbury dance troupes will be performing at variety show this Saturday, beginning at 6 p.m., as part of the annual Yarmarok Festival held by the Ukrainian National Federation. It is being held at the hall at 130 Frood Road.

â€œThis variety night is being done as a fundraiser for the United Steelworkers Local 6500 Strike fund. Admission is free but donations will be taken at the door,â€ said festival chair Keri Shewchuk.

â€œWe have a lot of our members affected by the strike at our hall. We feel it is an obligation to help our our members and others as well.â€

She said Ukrainians have a long history of working in the mines in Sudbury and the surrounding area.

â€œEvery since Inco started, Ukrainians have been here working. My grandfather worked in the mines and he retired in 1983. He started when he was quite young.â€

The annual Ukrainian Yarmarok Festival runs from Oct. 16-18.Â All events are held at the Ukrainian National Federation Hall. Events during the day are free, said organizers.

Members of the Ukrainian Senior Centre is holding their own festival kick-off, Wednesday Oct. 14 at 6 p.m., at the Ukrainian Senior Centre, 30 Notre Dame. The Veselka School of Ukrainian Dance will be performing.

The official start of the festival is Friday evening, with a gala dinner, at 6:30 pm. Music will be by Zabava, and tickets are $35. For tickets, phone 673-7404.

A food fair will take place from noon until 6 p.m., Saturday and Sunday. Vendors will be on site to sell traditional Ukrainian foods.

For more information, phone 673-0890, or visit www.sudburyyarmarok.com.