The Ukrainian community in and around Portage la Prairie celebrated a big milestone in their heritage last night at the Herman Prior Centre.

Portage Ukrainian Anniversary Committee Co-Chair Tess Achtemichuk explains what they were celebrating.

"This is a special occasion because it's the 125th anniversary since the first wave of Ukrainian settlers came out. We generally celebrate every 20 -- or 25 -- years, not every year."

Achtemichuk says it was a really special day for everyone there, with an incredible display set up.

Achtemichuk and her husband Joe chatting in the crowd

"This year we have a special display that we're able to get from the Ukrainian Canadian Congress in Winnipeg, and it really portrays the reality of homesteading and how difficult it was. They didn't know how marginal the land was going to be, they didn't know how severe the winters would be, and all the bush, and stones, and swamps that they would find when they got here."

Portage Mayor Irvine Ferris stopped by. He says the first Ukrainians in Canada were extremely hard workers, and their family members still are.

Mayor Ferris was looking quite Ukrainian last night

"They came originally as farmers, and they've gone on to make contributions to all areas of Canadian life. From business to culture, you name it. So this is a well-deserved celebration of 125 years of significant contributions that Ukrainians have made to Canada."

People who took in the event also had a great pierogi and cabbage roll dinner with classical Ukrainian music.