The Dolina Polish Folk Dancers danced for the crowd gathered in Huset Park. (Mark Peterson)
Many dozens of Polish-Americans, as well as other Americans, showed up for the Polish Picnic at Huset Park on Saturday, August 16. People grabbed tables and sought shade in the picnic shelter, while nearby booths sold Polish products including kielbasa and pierogi. There was also non-alcoholic Polish beer, Prince Polo chocolate wafer bars and an ice cream truck. Polish bands played throughout the festival and dancing couples took to the wooden floor nearby. Children made continuous use of the splash pad on the warm afternoon.
Polish delicacies, such as pierogi and kielbasa, were available from booths throughout the park. (Mark Peterson)
To mark Polish Armed Forces Day and the anniversary of the 1944 Warsaw Uprising, the event began with a moment of remembrance at the 1944 USAAF Warsaw Uprising Airlift Memorial in the park. The affair was sponsored by the Polish American Cultural Institute of Minnesota (PACIM), Sister Cities International Columbia Heights and the Polish Saturday School.
Guests who wanted to move to the music gathered on a portable dance floor throughout the day. (Mark Peterson)
PACIM President Mietek Konczyk said he was worried that the morning rain would put a damper on attendance, but, “To our joy, people kept coming … and coming! The turnout was bigger than we ever expected. It was a wonderful opportunity to reconnect — many people met friends they hadn’t seen in years.
Accordion player Joe Macko entertained at the festivities. (Mark Peterson)
“We heard so many kind words throughout the day. Many people told us how much they’ve missed the Twin Cities Polish Festival and how happy they were to once again celebrate Polish culture together — even if on a smaller scale.”