Cracking the Code of Vegreville
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Explore the Lakeland
Vegreville’s giant pysanka sparkles on days when the sun’s rays hit its thousand little aluminum shapes, all comprised to form a mathematical marvel, but more importantly, the second biggest pysanka, or decorated Ukrainian Easter egg, in the world. The largest is in Kolomyia, Ukraine.
Spend some time in Vegreville with activities for the family beyond admiring the bright, giant egg in the sky.
Do the Math
The Pysanka—which is 5000 lbs and three and a half storeys high—symbolizes Vegreville’s and Canada’s history of rich Ukrainian culture. It also pays heed to the RCMP’s role in keeping the peace among area pioneers and descendants.
In 1973, Paul Maxym Sembaliuk, a Canadian artist of Ukrainian descent, with the help of Ronald Resch, a computer scientist, designed the Pysanka. Beyond its symbolism, it is an achievement of nine mathematical, architectural and engineering firsts. This bronze, silver and gold coloured ovoid is a complicated aluminum puzzle containing 524 star patterns, 2,208 equilateral triangles, 3,512 visible facets, 6,978 nuts and bolts, and 177 internal struts, impressive even for the nonmathematical types among us. Even more amazing – it turns in the wind!
Do or Dye
The Visitor Information Centre is open seasonally starting mid May. Rent a paddle boat to paddle around the Elks Pond under the Pysanka. Borrow one of five bikes available to explore Vegreville. Or, putt with the family at a cool nine hole mini golf course at Pysanka Park. Vegreville Agricultural Society hosts weekly Farmers' Markets at Pysanka Park every Thursday from 4:30 PM - 7:30 PM during the summer.
Beyond the park, take any younger children to the Lions Spray Park, a delightful oasis to splash around and cool off.
Discover Ukrainian ceramics, tablecloths, wooden ornaments and nesting dolls at Ceramic Cottage, Canada’s oldest manufacturer of Ukrainian gifts and dinnerware. Serious lady shoppers will want to stop by Envy Boutique for stylish tops, bottoms, swimwear, accessories and more.
Learn how to dye your own pysanka at the Pysanka Festival or watch for workshops from Alberta’s Craft Council.
Eat
Loco Burro Fresh Mexican and Asian Grill is locally owned. Flavours may be Mexican/Asian, but ingredients are locally sourced wherever possible. Burritos, tacos, nachos and Asian bowls do not disappoint.
Vito’s Steak & Pizza House serves up everything from Mexican pizza, New York Strip, and home made soups. Burgers, donairs, salads and sandwiches are available too.
Stay
Vegreville Municipal Campground has 30-amp power and non-powered sites; picnic tables and gazebos; a cookhouse; showers and bathrooms as well as a stocked trout pond.
Wild Rose Inn and Vegreville Suites are a couple of many accommodation options.
Make time
Wrap your visit around an annual event starting with these:
Dash to Summer starts the season off every year in June.
The Pysanka Festival runs every year in July to celebrate Ukrainian culture with music, dancing, authentic Ukrainian food, three day market, craft demos, and four grandstand shows.
Vegreville Country Fair takes place in August with a full slate of activities, including a midway, horse show, chuckwagon races, trade show, beer gardens, food trucks, kids fun zone and live entertainment.
