Family-focused Polish Fest adds contemporary musicians

NEW FEATURES at this month’s Polish Fest focus on family activities and the Polish culture, which has played a major role in the history of Milwaukee. One of the first ethnic festivals of the season, Polish Fest will fill the Henry W. Maier Festival Park (Summerfest grounds) with color, sounds and activities June 24-26.

Radio Disney will bring added excitement to opening day from 3-6 p.m., with a Radio Disney Street Jam and an array of arts and crafts. “There’s truly something for everyone at Polish Fest this year,” says Executive Director Lidia Sobierajski.

The 7th Annual Chopin Youth Piano Competition keeps the spotlight on young people, while celebrating Poland’s great composer Frederic Francois Chopin. Held this year on Sunday afternoon, the event provides a welcome change of pace for festgoers, and an opportunity for gifted young musicians.

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

While the festival’s popular polka music will bring crowds to their feet all weekend, this year Kava 4.2 and Mr. System will introduce contemporary Polish music to festgoers. Both groups will perform throughout the day, and rock the nights on Saturday and Sunday.

Entertainers include Gerry Kaminski’s Merry Makers, Steve  Meisner, Eddie Blazonczyk’s Versatones, Jimmy Sturr & His Orchestra, and several dance troupes. On the Children’s Stage, crowds will enjoy presentations by the Milwaukee County Zoo and Discovery World, magicians, and the Little Miss Polish Fest and Miss Polish Fest Junior Pageant.

A special highlight this year is an exhibit celebrating the 25th anniversary of Solidarity, or Solidarnosc. Founded in 1980, Solidarity became the first independent labor union in a country belonging to the Soviet bloc. Forcibly suppressed and formally dissolved in1982, it continued as an underground organization. In April 1989, the government agreed to legalize Solidarity, and in December 1990 Lech Walesa was elected president of Poland.

“Celebrating the Legacy” will focus on the life and contributions of Pope John Paul II, who died at the age of 84 on April 2. John Paul II of Poland was the first non-Italian Pope in more than four and a half centuries, and brought great pride to the people of Poland, and those of Polish descent throughout the world.

Polish Fest visitors participating in the annual raffle will be competing for a grand prize of two round-trip tickets from Chicago or New York to either Warsaw or Krakow.

Back by popular demand, “Wisconsin’s Largest Chicken Dance” will return again on Saturday. There will be free admission to the festival for all chicken dance participants from noon to 12:30 p.m. at the Mid Gate. Warm-up and entertainment will begin at 12:30 p.m. at the Miller Contemporary Stage. The WOKY Cluck-off will take place at 12:45 p.m. The official dance begins at 1 p.m. Prizes will be awarded to the youngest and oldest participants.

Eating always is a favorite activity at Polish Fest. More than 25 restaurants offer delicacies. After the Pierogi, Klement’s Polish Sausage, Krakus Ham sandwiches or roast pig, and assortment of sweets are offered at the Kawiarnia Polish Dessert Café. Always popular is “Krupnik,” a honey liqueur.

At the Cultural Village, visit Polish sheepdogs and watch Storyteller Barbara Kozuchowska share the tales behind the life-sized “Legends of Poland “ figures. Folk art demonstrators create Polish crafts throughout the weekend, and in the Genealogy Area, experts can assist visitors.

At the Sukiennice (outdoor marketplace), tempting treasures include beautiful amber jewelry, Boles awiec pottery, glass-blown ornaments, Polish crystal, Wieliczka salt lamps, hand carved wooden boxes, festival souvenirs and more.

On Sunday, Polish Fest celebrates a traditional Polish 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 to Polish Fest is $4 immediately after Mass.

Hours of the festival are 3 p.m. to midnight Friday, June 24; noon-midnight Saturday, June 25; and noon-10 p.m. Sunday, June 26. Gate tickets are $9, but can be purchased in advance for $8. 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. Sunday 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.