KEY Milwaukee - Cover Story

Polish Fest offers polkas and proud heritage - June 18-20 at Milwaukee’s lakefront festival grounds

The colorful past, present and future of Poland will be celebrated June 18-20 at Polish Fest, annually one of the first summer ethnic festivals to fill the Henry W. Maier Lakefront Park (Summerfest grounds).

This year Polish Fest will feature traditional favorites that draw visitors back year after year, and new features that highlight Poland’s past and recent changes that give the country a greater role in the development of a united Europe.

Every year, the traditional dancing and polka music can be seen and heard throughout the festival grounds. Dancers whirl in their brightly colored costumes, while solo performers and bands offer a variety of musical choices on four different stages.

New this year, a re-enactment organization - the 12th Podolian Lancers - recalls the Polish Armed forces from World War II. The Lancers will camp out on the Polish Fest grounds all weekend, spending their time “in character.” They will share their stories with Polish Fest visitors.

As the largest of ten countries that joined the European Union in May 2004, Poland is now a formal member of the Union, which is better known as the Common Market. A special exhibit at the Polish Fest Schoolhouse Exhibit describes the recent admission to the European Union.

Another new exhibit at the Schoolhouse features a display on Bydgoszcz, the eighth largest city in Poland. Located on the Brda River, the city is the capitol of the Kujwasko-Pomorskie Province and one of Poland’s major inland ports. The Bydgoszcz Canal, built in 1774, and the Cathedral of Saint Nicholas, built in the 15th century, are located in this beautiful city.

“Wisconsin’s Largest Chicken Dance” that kicked off at last year’s Polish Fest was such a success that it returns again this year. Held on Saturday, there will be free admission to the festival for all chicken dance participants from noon to 12:30 p.m. at the midgate. Warm-up and entertainment will begin at 12:45 p.m. at the Miller Contemporary Stage. The official dance begins at 1 p.m. Prizes will be awarded to the youngest and oldest participants.

Eating is always a favorite activity at Polish Fest. More than 25 restaurants offer delicacies. After the Pierogi, Usinger’s Polish Sausage, Krakus Ham sandwich or roast pig, an assortment of sweets is offered at the Polish Dessert Café. Back by popular demand is “Krupnik,” a honey liqueur. New this year and also for adults is Polish Lemonade.

On Sunday, Polish Fest celebrates a traditional Polish outdoor Mass. The prelude begins at 10 a.m., with the entrance procession at 10:15 a.m. and the Mass officially starting at 10:30 a.m. at the Cultural Stage. There is no admission charge to the Mass, and entrance into Polish Fest is $4 immediately after Mass.

The continuous entertainment on the festival’s four stages offer a range of choices:

The Miller Contemporary Stage features 14-time Grammy winner Jimmy Sturr and his orchestra, Johnny Sparkle & the Doo-Wop Daddies, Rhythm Kings, Freeze Dried, and the 2004 Miss Polish Fest Pageant.
The Non-Stop Krakus Polish Hams Stage boasts Eddy Blazonczyk’s Versatones, Polka Family, Jerry Darlak & Touch, and the Polka Country Musicians.
The Cultural Stage feature the 6th Annual International Chopin Youth Piano Competition, Strings of the Heart, and a Polish Dance Gala.
On the Children’s stage, all ages are entertained by Copernicus for Kids, Discovery World with Chemistry Show, Julie Sobanski—Princess of Magic, Care for Critters, and the Little and Junior Miss Polish Fest Pageant.

At the Cultural Village, visit both breeds of Polish sheepdogs (lowland and highland). Storyteller Barbara Kozuchowska, who shares the tales behind the figures, visits the life-sized “Legends of Poland” figures Saturday and Sunday. Folk art demonstrators create Polish crafts throughout the weekend, and in the Genealogy area, experts can assist visitors with questions.

At the Sukiennice (outdoor marketplace), treasures to be purchased include Polonaise ornaments, Polish crystal, hand painted pottery, hand carved boxes, festival souvenirs, and more authentic keepsakes.

Hours are 3 p.m. to midnight Friday, noon-midnight Saturday, and noon-10 p.m. Sunday. Gate tickets are $9. Seniors (55+) are admitted for $7. Children 15 and younger are admitted free when accompanied by an adult. Those who attend Sunday’s mass are admitted for $4. There is free admission 3-5 p.m. Friday with a donation of a non-perishable food item to benefit the Hunger Task Force of Milwaukee, and 4-10 p.m. with a donation of a new baby item to the Stork’s Nest.

For more information about Polish Fest, phone 414-529-2140 or visit www.polishfest.org. Information about public transportation is available at 414-344-6711.

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