Milwaukee’s ethnic festival season begins
with Polish Fest June 23-25

MILWAUKEE’S summer ethnic festival season opens June 23-25 this year as Polish Fest celebrates a quarter century of fun at the Henry W. Maier Festival Park (Summerfest) grounds.

The weekend begins with a special 25th Anniversary admission rate on Friday only. From noon to 5 p.m. admission is 25 cents and from 5:01 p.m.-midnight admission is $2.50.

But regular admission rates on Saturday and Sunday still represent a great entertainment value. Polish Fest offers traditional and contemporary music acts, a cultural village, exhibits, Polish artists and folk art demonstrations, a marketplace, Polish cuisine, and much more. Admission at the gate is $10 for adults, $7 for seniors (55+). Children (16 and under) are free with adult admission.

Excitement is building for a special exhibit presented under the auspices of the Minister of Culture and National Heritage of the Republic of Poland. “Old and Modern Polish Temples” shows the Polish tradition of religious toleration by presenting houses of worship built by various religions within the former and present borders of Poland.

“The exhibit includes Catholic, Protestant, Orthodox and Greek Catholic churches; synagogues, and mosques, explains Polish Fest Executive Director Lidia Sobierajski. “People of all religious and ethnic traditions will be fascinated by this display.”
On the lighter side, Radio Disney returns on Sunday at noon to delight children of all ages.

Features on the Children’s Stage throughout the weekend include Ronald McDonald, Discovery World’s “Fire & Ice” demonstration, a DJ and special Polish entertainment. Little Miss Polish Fest & Junior Miss Polish Fest contestants take the stage on Saturday at 12:30 p.m.

The 8th 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, while solo musicians and bands offer a variety of musical choices on five different stages.

ALIZMA, Kava 4.2, DJ Seba and Chicago's Marszalek Band bring contemporary Polish music to festgoers. They will rock the night Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Grazyna Auguscik brings her quartet and its jazz sounds to Polish Fest this year. The Polish-born singer, based in Chicago, has been praised for “showing where music may be headed.”

Also entertaining are musicians and dance groups – Jimmy Sturr & His Orchestra, Stephanie, John Gora & Gorale, Casey Homel, Polka Family, Henny & the Versa J’s, Eddie Blazonczyk & the Versatones, Tad & Friends (Poland) and Polka Country Musicians.

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

At 7:30 p.m. on Saturday night, the “World’s Largest Polka Dance” will be Polish Fest’s bid to score an entry in the Guinness Book of Records.

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 an assortment of sweets are among the offerings.

For discriminating adults, Polish Fest serves up special tastings of five different vodkas and three different types of Mead. Also for adults, Potawatomi Bingo Casino brings its road show to Polish Fest.

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

On Saturday and Sunday nights, fireworks light up the sky at 10 p.m.

On Sunday, Polish Fest celebrates a traditional Polish Mass at 10:15 a.m. There is free admission to Mass, and entrance into Polish Fest is $4 following Mass.

Hours of the festival are noon to midnight Friday, noon to midnight Saturday, and noon to 10 p.m. Sunday. For more information about Polish Fest, call 414-529-2140 or visit www.polishfest.org. Information about public transportation is available at 414-344-6711.