Dear photographers,
We warmly invite you to do your magic and help us capture powerful, joyful, and meaningful moments during two incredible community events on April 18, 2026. These events celebrate children, culture, and Ukraine—and we would love to have your talent behind the lens.
- 🌸 Celebrating Children Festival
Mount Trashmore Park | 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
The Celebrating Children Festival at Mount Trashmore Park is expected to welcome over 5,000 attendees for a morning filled with fun, creativity, and family activities.
The Ukrainian Community Center (UCC) is proud to partner with the City of Virginia Beach and host a Ukrainian Tent, representing the Ukrainian community with joy and pride. Our team will be engaging with children and families through culture, play, and connection.
You’ll find plenty of beautiful moments to capture as our amazing volunteers bring the Ukrainian spirit to life:
• Olena Bohenstiel
• Svitlana and Anastasia Ivasyuk
• Viktoriya McAlpin
• Bohdan Smaha
This event is all about smiles, movement, color, and connection—and we want to preserve those precious moments
- 🇺🇦 Ukraine at the NATO Parade
Norfolk | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Later that day, the Ukrainian community will proudly participate in the NATO Parade in Norfolk.
Our community will march together:
• Singing Ukrainian songs
• Carrying Ukrainian flags and flowers
• Representing Ukraine with dignity, strength, and unity
After the parade, Ukraine Solutions with Aleksandra Blagova and the Ukrainian Community Center with Valentyna Sonmezler will guide participants and guests to the NATO Village, where the festival continues. Photographers will have the opportunity to capture:
• Community engagement and cultural exchange
• Sofia Syvak sharing Ukrainian symbolics and information about Ukraine
• merchandise will be presented by Natalia Hnatchuk
• A special performance by the “Korali” Ukrainian Chorus, featuring:
• Nataliia Sytnyk (Chorusmaster)
• Nadiya Beley
• Nina Semenova
• Ivanna and Taras Mykush
• Olena Morozova (piano)
• Oksana Nesteruk (violin)
• Valentyna Sonmezler
