Our areas rich history of may cultures is one of the key reasons we have so much to celebrate. Ethnicity in a community adds SO much. Have you ever traveled to an international destination? Languages, colors, customs and the ways people live and interact from all over the world are an amazing way to reset your innerds if you’re in a funk. I will say that some international travellers that are of the male persuasion could use some better bathing suit options other than Speedo, but…that’s just a personal thought based on my body shape. Our differences make us unique, and when a group of our uniqueness invites you to a party locally, it’s an incredible opportunity to sample some of the “old country”. When it’s the Muskegon Polish Festival…it’s not a sampling, it’s an immersion. Labor Day is right around the corner. That’s when the festival is. Lucky you.
Donna Piasecki is the President of the Muskegon Polish Festival. Her late husband Len was a founding member and to carry his legacy could only be done by Donna. Donna also has a grandson named Aaron Piasecki who just got a call to “The Show”. Aaron was drafted in the the MLB by the Houston Astros. Hopefully, you caught our story on THE MUSKEGON LOCKER ROOM. Not even going to try to avoid a little chatter about that at the beginning. We do however get in to the discussion of the festival, now going in to it’s 11th year, and the early days of the start up and how it’s grown. I recall the time it began, true to fashion…there were quite a few people scoffing at the idea. “A festival, on a holiday weekend? That will never work!” The festival organizers kind of said hold my Warka and watch this. Warka is Polish beer.
It’s about the history and beautiful culture that Polish Americans share. The food….if you’ve not been exposed to the cuisine… Polish food is a hearty, comforting cuisine rich in meats, root vegetables, and signature dishes like stuffed dumplings and sour soups. The music. Polka…..it will make you happy. It has to. It’s polka. The people. Love abounds. The visuals. Colors, shapes, sizes and textures. The shopping opportunity and quality of heirloom pottery and products you will find are beyond comparison and then there’s the history. Muskegon is DEEP in Polish heritage. When they began, the Muskegon Polish Festival had paper flyers stapled to the trees for the history walk of Polish people of significant contribution to the community over the years. Now, they might be getting close to needing a year round home. It’s a tent filled with digital, interactive displays that you can learn first hand on about the significance of Polish contributions to the Muskegon Area over the years, and let’s not forget one thing. A mass on Sunday morning to wrap it all up, pray for a great year to come, until it all happens again in another year.
Did someone mention beer earlier? Lot’s of it. Here’s the thing too. Some of it you can’t find any other time of year. Think finding Oberon is hard? The Muskegon Polish Festival imports some of the top brand from Poland and if you’re not into the beer, Polish folk know a thing or two about Wodka… (vodka) and they get a hand on some traditional recipes from Wonderland.
Vets and First Responders are free all weekend. Under 21 as well. If you don’t fit those categories….$10 bucks. The show opens at 11:30a on Friday September 4th. Music begins at noon. Same gate time on Saturday. Volunteers are needed. Please, pitch in if you can and help make the festival’s 11th year one to never forget. Our thanks to Donna and everyone at the Muskegon Polish Festival for their welcome to us at the Muskegon Channel
CLICK HERE for the Muskegon Polish Festival online. CLICK HERE for the Muskegon Polish Festival on Facebook.
