July 26 marks the start of the annual Pierogi Fest in Downtown Whiting, Indiana. The event, held each year, aims to promote local food vendors and businesses while celebrating people’s heritage and roots.
More than 10,000, including families and children, come to enjoy the festivities.
Tom Dabertin, the chairman and co-founder, has shared his enthusiasm for this beloved tradition.
"Entering the festival this year, we've seen a record turnout," said Dabertin. "The crowds are enormous, the weather is perfect, and everything we've planned has come together beautifully. After 30 years, the festival continues to exceed expectations."
He has been involved in the event for years and understands both its origins and its importance to the community.
"When we first started this festival, our idea was to celebrate our Eastern heritage and ethnicities," said Dabertin. "We wanted to have some fun with a few customs that seemed a bit quirky, and along the way, we created some new traditions. From there, it has just grown and evolved."
This year will feature a host of new events, including headline performances and special acts.
"For the second time, we have a main stage in the beer garden featuring a headlining act," said Dabertin. "This year, it's Sugar Ray with Mark McGrath, two popular performers who will make the event fantastic. And on Sunday, we have the most unique game show on the planet: 'Are You Smarter Than a University of Chicago Physician?' While the University of Chicago has won 99 Nobel Prizes, they've never won a prize at Pierogi Fest."
Pierogi Fest is a cherished tradition for many, with some attending year after year and passing it down through generations to come.
"Pierogi Fest has become a homecoming for many people," said Dabertin. "Whether you're Eastern European, Asian, or from any continent on Earth, you can connect with Pierogi Fest. It's a quirky small-town event with a crazy attitude, but we always strive to be the best."
Dabertin even got in on the action himself, participating in the festivities and adding to the vibrant atmosphere of the event.
"I want to express my regrets and remorse for having you see me in my coconut bra and grass skirt," said Dabertin. "My suggestion is to take in all the sights and sounds. We have more than 70 food booths with 1,400 items on the menu, over 50 arts and crafts and tchotchke vendors, and six performance stages, including our main stage. Overall, it's just a fun and relaxing time, and it's an event that people love."
He would like to thank the dedicated volunteers, local businesses, and the community for their hard work and commitment to making this event possible.
"I have to say that this festival wouldn't exist without the 650 volunteers who make it happen," said Dabertin. "This is a town of 5,000, a community of 12,000 people, yet we draw hundreds of thousands to this festival. We've won more best festival awards than probably any other festival in America and have been consistently ranked as one of the best festivals around."
No matter the circumstance, Dabertin is determined to see him and his team succeed.
"It's hard for us to live up to those expectations every year, but we manage to do it," said Dabertin. "The most rewarding part of this festival is that it brings everyone together. You drive down the side streets of this town and see people putting out clotheslines full of laundry, hanging out their babushkas, and displaying all sorts of things to celebrate Pierogi Fest. You don't see that for any other festival or event. It says a lot about the support the community gives, both as volunteers and participants."
For more information visit www.pierogifest.net/. Pierogi Fest will be held July 27 from 11 AM-11 PM and July 28 from 11 AM-5 PM.
