On the penultimate Sunday in August, on the 24th of August, families from various corners of the Võru Municipality, performers, guests, and other active individuals gathered in the Pühajõe region at Osula Harjumägi. All came together to spend a beautiful sunny Sunday with songs, dances, various workshops, and fun activities.
The whole event was energized and spiced up by three cheerful 'Naksitralli' characters: Sammalhabe, Kingpool, and Muhv. They were members of the Sulbi village theater group who skilfully embodied playful eco-terrorists and provided timeless recognition joy for children and adults alike with beloved characters from children's books.
The schedule was tight and diverse, offering entertainment, hands-on activities, and culinary delights for visitors of all ages from local chefs. The evening entertainment was provided by Osula School dancers with a lively program by Lõunapärl Kindergarten toddlers. Street dance was introduced by JJ-Street Dance School students, with Birjo Piir explaining the different styles. The dancing performances continued with an exciting pole dance, where the young talents from Egoimpuls demonstrated strength and agility that left the audience in awe. The braver ones even had a chance to try for themselves how difficult or easy it is to gracefully twirl around the pole. For those less interested in dance, Võru Judoklubi REI led a sock wrestling activity.
As dancing is a fantastic workout for people of all ages, providing positive energy, improving coordination, and enhancing muscle tone, adults were not forgotten. Partner dances were showcased by Ummamuudu and the alumni seniors' groups, who got most of the bench-sitters up on their feet dancing. Adding even more spirit and fun were the spirited line-dancing ladies from Puiga, members of the Sööstan-Katan dance group.
A special performance at the community day was by the Soon family band, where three generations made music together: Anu Soon on guitar, daughter-in-law Katrin Soon on the zither, and grandson Jürgen Soon on the accordion. This vividly illustrated that the fusion of different generations created a memorable value and enriched the family day in the way the organizers intended – an event for the whole family!
To top off the community day, there was a special performance by conductor Kuno Kerge from the Pühajõe region. The musical program was a treat for the ears and souls. Before the children could start playing in the bubble pool to the tune of accordion music, the organizer of next year's community day was drawn – fortune smiled on the Lasva area.
Many thanks to the creators of the fantastic workshops: Lasva Handicraft Association, painters Anu and Marie, Parksepa Youth Center, Asko Saarepuu with sports activities, Pisila OÜ, Ceelia trampolines, and Kirsi Farm ponies.
The food was delicious! Valli and Jüri Lukin from Järvere Village Society prepared a tasty solyanka soup, Laine Rehkli from Kurenurme Village Society's meat and jam pies were a delight, Sõmerpalu Youth Center's café products were as delightful as warm pastries, Mari-Liisi's mocktails were wonderful, and the hit product of the family day – warm crullers made by Osula School's home economics club sold out rapidly. Thank you all!
The organizer of this year's Võru Municipality community day was MTÜ Osula Village Society, together with the Pühajõe region village societies, with contributions from the organizers' family members and relatives.
Thanks to the Võru Municipality Cultural and Youth Work Center and its director Maarika Rosenberg for their joint organization and to the Võru Municipality Government for their support.
Maret Soon
Osula Village Society
