For many, the sudden appearance of the color red is merely the reflection of the approaching autumn or sudden abrupt stop as you notice your favorite store has put up their Christmas decorations.
But for another group, the sighting of a sea of red means it is Pulaski Days in Grand Rapids. You'd better get a lawyer quickly because come Monday, after a weekend of Polish food and beer, your liver is going to press charges of abuse.
This annual celebration of General Casmir Pulaski, an American Revolutionary War hero, is -- in our modern version -- a bit of a community organizer as people of Polish descent and those who will be duped honorary Poll for the weekend will come to celebrate through one of the oldest of traditions as our local Polish Halls open their private club doors to the public.
There are 15 community-centered halls throughout Grand Rapids’ neighborhoods and over the course of three days, you have such incredible choices of food, from kielbasa to pierogi, to my favorite dish: golumbki.
The entertainment at the area halls ranges from the traditional polka band to the balls out rock and roll show, often with a runner up dancing away her frustration of being so close, but not the crowned Polish Queen this year.
There is even an annual parade at 11 a.m. on Saturday on Michigan Street, running from College to Diamon, that provides not only some awesome people watching, but also a chance to see the crowned Queen of the parade herself.
They even have been able to preserve and present the Polka Mass on Sunday morning at 11 a.m. at the John Ball Park’s band shell. Word from organizers last year was that it could be going away. I, for one, while not Catholic, am glad to see after a sad twelve months where we have witnessed the closing of a few of our uniquely Grand Rapids establishments, that we may find the courage to give thanks at this worship service for those who are still with us, like the accordion player who helps keep us moving to the city’s beat.
Admission: Varies by location and programming
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