The Seattle Great Wheel will be lit up in the colors of the Bulgarian flag. This will happen on March 3 from 5 pm to 9 pm US time on the occasion of Bulgaria’s National Day. The idea is realized with the cooperation of the Honorary Consul of Bulgaria in Washington Elka Ruskov. So the dream of the Bulgarian community in Seattle will come true - the Big Wheel in Seattle will be illuminated with the Bulgarian tricolor.

Built in 2012 the tallest Ferris wheel on the West Coast is often hired for colorful light show displays, as it has impressive light installation and can program an array of patterns, colors and designs.

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Mrs. Russkov has lived in America for more than three decades, but the date on which 145 years ago Bulgaria reappeared on the political map of Europe remains special in her life."Personally, as a Bulgarian, I respect this day because I grew up with respect for Bulgarian holidays. While March 3 is a national holiday, I will use this day to reflect and honor what happened on this date."

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The Honorary Consul of Bulgaria in Washington continues to work for Bulgaria overseas. She actively participates in and contributes to many causes of her Bulgarian compatriots, whom she rightly calls "the awakeners of our time". One of these causes is the installation of a monument to the Cyrillic alphabet in Los Angelles.

Sculptor Bronislav Likomanov with the model of the Cyrillic alphabet monument.

"We are currently negotiating with the foundry in Sofia to cast a large part of the monument in our homeland. We are still raising funds for this purpose. We have yet to determine in which part of the city of Los Angeles the monument will be placed," Elka Ruskov explained in an interview with Joan Kolev and Radio Bulgaria.

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During the first post-epidemic Consular Days, held in Seattle on 18 and 19 February this year with the assistance of the Consulate General of Bulgaria in Los Angeles, 150 Bulgarians were attended to - said Ruskov and expressed her gratitude to all who contributed to the excellent organization.

A challenge for its work in the first half of this year will be the early parliamentary elections on April 2. Since Bulgarians in Washington State are concentrated mostly in Seattle and surrounding cities, there is usually one polling station. The name of the person who will chair the precinct election committee and who will have the commitment to run a smooth election day is currently being finalized.

Photos: seattlegreatwheel.com, Facebook/ Elka Ruskov, mfa.bg

English version: Elizabeth Radkova