The 58th annual Canada’s National Ukrainian Festival (CNUF) is in the books and it could not have gone any better.

CNUF president Kayla Gillis said the weekend went better than expected.

“Our crowd (Saturday) was phenomenal. The stands were packed. We ran out of alcohol and we had to get more, which is a good thing. We ran out of day passes, which is a good thing, as well, too,” she said. “It’s been phenomenal. The support from everybody coming out, the support from the community, all our volunteers, it’s been amazing.”

The weather, Gillis added, was fantastic.

“It’s been a little breezy, which is great because it’s fairly hot. But the weather has been fantastic for this year,” she said.

Although the final attendance numbers are not in yet, Gillis estimated this year’s crowds surpassed last year’s numbers.

The highlight of the weekend for Gillis came Saturday night, watching Shumka Ukrainian Dancers from Edmonton dance on the main stage.

“And seeing the stands completely filled. And at the end, when we did (the finale), everybody put their cell phone light on and everything was lit up. It was beautiful,” she said.

Gillis had the opportunity to meet with some of the Ukrainian refugees displaced by the war in Ukraine. She met with groups from Regina and Winnipeg, as well as some of the families who have relocated to Dauphin, who volunteered at the festival.

“The ones that joined us last year and came for this year and said it was bigger and better, which was great to see. And the ones that just joined us for this year, they said it’s phenomenal how we can make a party happen and still keep our culture and heritage going,” she said.

Work on next year’s festival has already begun with some talent already booked.

“It nevers ends, the planning. We’re already looking ahead to the 60th, too,” Gillis said.

Gillis wishes to thank everyone who attended this year’s festival, as well as all the entertainers, sponsors and volunteers.

“Just thank you for everything,” she said.