The annual Sacred Heart Polish Fest kicked off Friday, June 21st . The afternoon may have been cloudy with storms, but by 6:00 the weather was clear, and the dedicated crowd came ready to celebrate our town’s Polish heritage with food, games, and rides. Accordion music filled the air along with the tantalizing scent of cooking pierogies.
Guest Morgan Price said, “I would not miss this for anything. The Polish Fest is a timeless event that only comes once a year. It is a chance to try some new food and traditions.”
The fest is full of traditions a plenty. Food booths include Polish favorites such as pierogies and Polish sausage. In addition, the festival rounds out the food list with a fish fry, brats, hot corn roast, and Brother James's Chicken Dinner.
But the event’s focus on Polish tradition goes beyond the food. There were live bands playing beloved polka tunes; the idea being to polka dance until you drop. Also, it is worthwhile to take a visit at the Polish Heritage booth to learn about La Porte and Sacred Heart’s unique Polish history. Posters adorned the walls with heritage information, and a traditional Polish dress was on display.
Sacred Heart Priest Father Ian explained, “Polish Fest celebrates the heritage of Sacred Heart Church and invites our community to come together for three days of family, fun, and fellowship.”
Kids ran from ride to ride having a ball on all of the spinning, dropping, and speeding machines. The fest had a fun house, ferris wheel, and even a giant slide for the children’s amusement. An entire parking lot was full of carnival games that put kids’ skills to the test. Many prizes were earned throughout the night for conquering Bozo buckets or another spirited game.
Adults had a chance to peruse a huge rummage sale, or relax in the beer garden. Polish Fest has added a new twist to beer garden this year-a “Battle of the Beers.” By the end of the Fest, La Porte will have an answer on which is its favorite beer-Miller vs. Budweiser.
Polish Fest will continue on Saturday from 2 p.m.-12 a.m. and Sunday from 12 p.m.-6 p.m. Sacred Heart Church is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. In celebration of the parish, the Sacred Heart will hold many events throughout the year including a dinner dance in October. The Polish Festival was a wonderful way to commemorate and celebrate the founders of the local church.