Polish celebration expected to attract thousands

The Kansas City Kansan ^ | BRANT STACY

[lizol]

Polish celebration expected to attract thousands

By BRANT STACY Kansas Staff Writer

Polish and non-Polish Americans wanting to get a little taste of Poland will soon have an opportunity to do so right here in Kansas City, Kan.

On Saturday, May 7, Polski Day festivities will kick-off on the grounds of St. Joseph-St. Benedict's Church, Eighth Street and Vermont Avenue. Molly Kolenda, one of the 20 committee members organizing the 21st annual Polski Day, said she expects this years celebration to be more successful than last years. She said there are more events geared towards children, a larger variety of Polish foods and an increase in vendors selling everything from Polish artifacts to pottery and cut glass.

"We are expecting a bigger crowd - the same people plus more," Kolenda said. "There will be outstanding food, lots of entertainment for children, polish vendors and a Polish grocery store."

Kolenda said Polski Day is held to commemorate the signing of the Polish Constitution of Freedom on May 3, 1791. She said it also pays tribute to the heritage of Polish-Americans, who settled on Polish Hill north of Interstate 70 and west of Seventh Street Trafficway. This year the celebration will honor Polish world leaders, such as John Paul II, Lech Walesa, Frederic Chopin and Maria Sklodowska Curie.

"At 4 p.m. we will be honoring Pope John Paul II with a special Mass dedicated to him," Kolenda said. "A speaker will speak on him and a balloon release will take place."

Kolenda said following the Mass, a Polish dinner will begin from 2 to 8 p.m., in the parish hall inside the church. She said a number of Polish foods will be served including, Golabki, (cabbage rolls) Pierogi, (filled dumplings) Kapusta, (sauerkraut) and Kielbasa (Polish sausage).

Jennifer Baska, another committee member, said these wonderful foods will give those who lived on Polish Hill an opportunity to come back and rekindle their past. She said the festival will give them a chance to meet up with old friends and family.

"Most of the Polish people who grew up on Polish Hill have moved or passed away and their children have moved throughout the city," Baska said. "Polish people can now come back home, feel comfortable and eat Polish foods that they haven't had in awhile."

Besides great food, Baska said Idimo ethnic dancers and a polka band will begin at 5:30. She said for the last five years, Tom Przybylski and his band have played for the festival.

"Last year it was amazing to see old and young people out there polka dancing," Baska said.

Baska said another favorite, babka's groceries (grandmas groceries) is returning this year. She said this grocery store will feature a variety of Polski Day T-shirts, Polish pottery, canned goods and pickles and Polish Christmas ornaments. She also said inside the church, a miniature museum of Polish artifacts will be on display.

"The grocery store will give people a chance to get things they wouldn't normally find in Kansas for their mothers or grandmothers for Mother's Day," Baska said. "People don't need to travel to somewhere like Chicago to find these items or to take part in a good Polish festival."

Kolenda said committee members, along with Bishop Ward High School students, will begin setting up booths Saturday morning. Cooking will begin Friday, she said.

"A bunch of older ladies and committee members are cooking the food," Kolenda said. "The festival will also include Polish beers, like piwo."

Tom Waliczek, a member of the Polish committee, said he was amazed with the marvelous turnout for the festival last year. He said more than 1,280 cabbage rolls have already been made so far for this year's event, along with Pierogi and other Polish desserts. He said while food is being prepared, he is preparing for the second annual Polski Day golf tournament that will be held this Saturday. He said the tournament, which will take place at Sunflower Hills Golf Course, 122nd Street and Riverview Road, has attracted more than 29 teams.

"We had 21 teams last year," Waliczek said. "This year we can have up to 36."

Waliczek said the four-man scramble tournament will begin at 1:30 p.m., and the putting contest will begin at 12:30 p.m. He said the cost to play in the tournament is $75 a person and all funds will help the parish. After the golf tournament, a dinner will be held at Brit's Restaurant.

"I've played at the tournament every year," Waliczek said. "I always have a wonderful time and we're a fun bunch."

Waliczek said the golf tournament is a great way to kick-off the events on May 7. He said he is looking forward to a nice family filled day.

"I enjoy visiting with family and friends who I don't see on a regular basis," Waliczek said. "Even if you're not Polish on Polski Day, you can't help to be."

Kolenda said just as the funds from the golf tournament go to benefit the Parish, Polski Day, funds will also help the upkeep and repairs to the Parish.

"The money will go to improve the church, which is more than 100 years old," Kolenda said. "The church plans to use the funds to fix the ramp in the basement, install new carpeting and a new heating and cooling system."

Kolenda also said a certain amount of the funds will go to fund upcoming Polski Days. She said she is excited about the day, along with other committee members, and is ready to get things started.

"Polski Day is a once in a lifetime opportunity," Kolenda said. "The food is outstanding. Bring your family and friends and polka the night away."

For information about the festival, call Kolenda at 321-9454.