It’s officially the most wonderful time of the year again in Northwest Indiana. On Friday, July 28 the City of Whiting kicked off its 2023 Pierogi Fest with a playful Polka Parade. Each year 300,000 people flock to Whiting to see this wacky fun summer festival for themselves, and this year was certainly no different.
“I come with my kids every year,” said Pierogi Fest attendee Jillian Hubbard. “We can’t get enough of the Pierogi Fest.”
What started as a simple one-block festival in the early 90s to celebrate Eastern European heritage has grown over the years into a one-of-a-kind festival that brings people to Whiting not just from all over the Region, but all over the country.
When asked what her favorite part of Pierogi Fest was, Hubbard couldn’t help but mention the festival’s namesake, but she also explained how wonderful it is that the festival manages to bring so many people from all over the world together. According to Hubbard, there’s no better way to strengthen one’s pride in their community.
“Well, I mean, it’s got to be the Pierogis. That’s what this festival is all about. I do like seeing how it brings everyone together, though, and seeing people be happy. It doesn’t get much better than this,” said Hubbard.
To open the 2023 Pierogi Fest with a bang, the City of Whiting held its infamous Polka Parade. Local businesses, organizations, and leaders from all over the community donned their wackiest and most outlandish costumes and took to the streets of Whiting to throw everything from candy to water balloons to even eggs.
Rows upon rows of people lined the street desperate to catch a treat and, in some cases, get a picture with one of their favorite characters. Mr. Clean and several members of the Scooby-Doo gang were definitely fan favorites. Even more popular were the notorious busha ladies, or grandmas, who marched cheerily down the street performing a perfectly choreographed dance that made everyone smile. Of course, last but not least in the parade came Mr. Pierogi himself.
Pierogi Fest newcomer Brandon Davis was taken aback by the funkiness of the parade. It was both something he had never thought he would experience and familiar to him all at once.
“I don’t know what I was expecting but I wasn’t expecting this. I’ve been to tons of parades, but I’ve never been to a parade or festival quite like this. It’s so fun and unique and wild--it’s completely different than the parades I’ve grown used to but it’s also similar in how it supports local businesses and makes people proud to be a part of something,” said Davis.
Once the parade ended, everyone flooded into the heart of downtown Whiting, eager to take part in the festival. Over a mile stretch of 119th street was lined with more than 50 food vendors, nearly 30 art vendors, and 13 specialty vendors. There were also countless beer gardens, several stages where bands such as the 1985 and the Disco Circus could rock the night away, and some classic carnival rides for the younger kids.
Seeing how much there was to do, Davis immediately knew he had to come back next year with some extra friends in tow.
"I’ve really enjoyed it and I can’t wait to come back next year. I think it’ll be great to bring some buddies and just hang out,” said Davis.
Ultimately, the 2023 Pierogi Fest couldn’t have gotten off to a better start. For everyone who missed out on the first night of Pierogi Fest and the Polka Parade don’t worry: there is plenty of fun in store. Pierogi Fest will pick up where it left off on Saturday, July 29, and run all day long from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. The day will feature a completely different line-up of excellent performers as well as a cooking show, a Mr. Pierogi Song Fest, and a Polka dancing contest.
As if two days weren’t enough, the festival will continue into Sunday, July 30; the festival will start at 11 a.m. and officially end at 5 p.m. Attendees will have a final chance to check out all the amazing vendors they might’ve missed in the days before, jam out to even more performers, and take part in the competitive Pierogi Toss and Pierogi Eating contests.
So, put on some of your wildest clothes, grab a friend, or two, or even three, and get ready to kick back at one of the best events Northwest Indiana has to offer. This year’s Pierogi Fest is one you definitely won’t want to miss.
“It’s just fun. There’s always something new to see,” said Hubbard.
To learn more about the City of Whiting and its unforgettable traditions, visit https://www.whitingindiana.com/.
