Chamber Annual Independence Charitable American Day Picnic

On 2 July the American Chamber of Commerce in Ukraine held the traditional Annual Charitable American Independence Day Picnic in Kiev. Despite the inclement weather, approximately 3,500 people gathered together for the event at Spartak Stadium this year.

The Chamber team and volunteers did everything possible to ensure guests’ satisfaction and happiness. This family holiday was celebrated with tasty American food, numerous fun contests, face-painting, ice cream, cotton candy, cold beer and soft drinks. As this year’s picnic theme was connected to football, guests had an opportunity not only to enjoy a variety of football themed activities but also take photos with Euro-2012 Mascots Slavko and Slawek!

The occasional drop of rain did not scare Picnic guests who enjoyed Frisbee, football and volleyball games on the green grass field. This year’s Kids Zone was especially popular! Water zorbing, trampolines, inflatable castle, countless sweets, and other amusements made the day an unforgettable one for children.

Igor Posypayko, the host of the Picnic, once again made sure all guests had fun and facilitated entertaining contests, giving out lovely prizes from the sponsors. Ukrainian Music Holding Lavina Concert brought celebrity headliners to the event, including the Ukrainian rock band Tabula Rasa, and pop singer Gaitana. Besides, Picnic guests had an opportunity to enjoy performances from the rising music stars Nycholas Tym and Koffein Music Band.

The culmination of the celebration was stunning and breathtaking fireworks which took place right after the Grand Raffle and amazing Ukrainian and American Anthems performed by Oleksiy Kuznetsov, the winner of the popular TV show X-Factor, and Zlata Ognevich, one of the front singers for the national Eurovision 2011 contest.

The Chamber is grateful to all the sponsors without whom this event would not have been such a success: soft drinks and Kids’ Zone activities from Coca-Cola, cold draft beer and kvas from Slavutich, Carlsberg Group, amazing fireworks provided by TNK-BP Commerce, and delicious wine from METRO Cash&Carry. Stage and sound equipment provided by Zinteco made the live music a wonderful addition to the fun. Special thanks to the East Europe Foundation, which are the corporate matching grant partners for the Picnic.

The 2011 Annual Charitable American Independence Day Picnic proved that representatives of national and foreign business community enjoy outdoor family events that allow celebrating great holidays with close friends in a welcoming atmosphere created by the American Chamber of Commerce in Ukraine!

The American Chamber of Commerce thanks all who attended and supported this successful event and is looking forward to hosting the Annual Charitable American Independence Day Picnic in 2012!