CHEEKTOWAGA, N.Y. — Western New York is prepping for the 44th annual Polish American Arts Festival happening in Cheektowaga’s Town Park.
The 3-day event begins on July 26 at 5 p.m. with the grand entrance march featuring community members and organizations. The event then continues on through July 28.
The event is open to all those interested in attending and is free.
It features numerous singing and dancing performances including performances by Grammy-nominated “Maestros Men,” the Buffalo Touch, New Direction, Polky, and a tribute to the G-Notes featuring Johnny Karas of the Jimmy Sturr Orchestra.
Dance performances include WNY’s own Krakowiacy dancers and Michigan-based Opole.
More performances involve Dave Gawronski of the Forgotten Buffalo Orchestra, Al Piatkowski from the International Polka Association, Polka Boyz, the Polka Boyz, the Polish Saturday School Chorus, Ontario-based Polanie, and Kapela Pokolyn.
The festival will have a food court, food trucks, a bazaar marketplace, craft vendors, as well as a beer and wine garden.
It will also feature the Saint Casimir Heritage Village which will showcase cooking and craft demonstrations, lectures, a traditional outdoor mass with the Chopin Singing Society, and an authentic 17th-century Hussar knight camp re-enactment with broad sword presentations.
“We wanted to continue the tradition of this highly anticipated annual affair, as well as share the customs and cuisine of Polonia by offering even more attractions and interactive family fun from beginning to end,” said Town Supervisor Brian Nowak. “We want to include as many people and organizations as possible with an Olympic-style opening ceremony enabling families, friends and groups to join together and celebrate our collective heritage in a way that anyone can participate.”
To learn more about the event click here.
