Thanksgiving Celebration

Today’s session of the Gabfest Club (“Window on America”, Dnipro / Ukraine) had a topic Thanksgiving Traditions of the USA. Our American volunteer Mr. Jason also attended this session and added the first-hand experiences and comments about this traditional US celebration. He was sincerely thanked by the Club for his loyal friendship and offered a symbolic gift.
The Club members had an opportunity to speak about Thanksgiving. First, we spoke about the facts we knew. Then, the moderator offered the slides to read, translate and discuss. All of them were kindly commented by Mr. Jason, an American volunteer. His private experience of famous Black Friday was cheerfully discussed by the audience. Jason told us about interesting customs and shared his own ideas about the celebrations with us.  White House videos about the traditional Thanksgiving events immersed us into the Thanksgiving atmosphere. The pardoning of a turkey ritual was new to some of the club members.

The other tradition of our Club was also observed today – Speed English game: we expressed our attitudes to different holidays, the way they should be arranged and whether the tradition of Thanksgiving could be observed in Ukraine.
The second part of the session was a real Thanksgiving party. The Club members were offered a menu of traditional American dishes and snacks. The highlight of the menu was baked Turkey breast with cranberry sauce cooked by the WOA’s Head Ms. Svitlana Usenko. All the participants found the dish delicious.
During the dessert time we had a pumpkin pie competition. The winner was an American style pie baked by Ms. Lina and Ms. Ganna, the club’s activist who baked the Ukrainian style pie, also received compliments for the treat.
Mr. Nestor, one of the constant members of the Club, played harmonic very amusing. It added to our high spirits. In the heartwarming atmosphere of the Thanksgiving dinner the club members developed new friendships with fellow citizens and our American guest.

The Club members thanked the leaders of with party – Ms. Svitlana and Ms. Alexsandra – for the wonderful atmosphere created for the English learners.
And also a large number of members of the club did a great support of making such event as Thanksgiving Day. Without assistance of the volunteers this awesome event could not be held properly.
The session was most enjoyable and inspired to continue building bridges between American and Ukrainian people.
Participants number –  55 persons.
Have a look at more pictures, please