For three consecutive days, the grounds of the Milwaukee World Festival filled with patrons desiring more of Poland. From dance routines to bands playing, cooking demonstrations, table tennis, extraordinary food, and clothing, the Polish ancestry marked its mark in Milwaukee.
Children and adults paraded the grounds with flowers on their heads, portraying to be a crown for their custom dance. Happiness and cheer were the electrifying elements in the air. The drizzle on Saturday and the clear sky ending with the rainbow gave Polish Fest workers and patrons serenity Saturday night.
Late Friday night festivities included: four stages with live bands from Bella Cain, Polka Country Musicians, Korona Band from Canada, David Seebachś Wonders of Magic, and much more. The Sports Area is comprised of Polonia Soccer Club. Some bands performed thrice, like The Boys at 8:00, 9:20, and 10:40 pm. While the adults were having a great time, the children were not excluded. Many acts like Julie Sobanski – Magiciernne & Escape Artist performed twice on the Childrenś Stage at 2:00 and 5:00 pm.
Friday, Saturday, and Sunday were fun and inexpensive for everyone. On Friday, admission prices were $2.00 from noon to 5:00 pm. And only $10.00 from 5:01 to Midnight.
Polish Fest did not exclude our Military. Free Admission was awarded to ALL MILITARY PERSONNEL for the weekend when they presented their Military ID.
If patrons brought three cans of non-perishable food items for the Hunger Task Force on Sunday, Admission was free starting at 2:00 pm.
If patrons arrived early for church service on Sunday, Admission was free for Mass when they entered through the Main Gate. Sundayś 10:00 am prelude, and 10:15 am Mass with the Reverend James Lobacz–the current Logistics Coordinator for the Archbishop and Vicar for Senior Clergy. During Mass, the offering went to Charity for the People of Ukraine. Later that same day, from 9:30 am to 11:59 am, Admission was only $5.00.
One could never get bored at Polish Fest, where patrons could eat and exercise!
Polish Fest participants were allowed to go and play table tennis for free. Toni Lam has been a member of Milwaukee Table Tennis for five years. Right now, the club plays at Shorewood Middle School Players can also play at Irvan School in West Allis.
¨I love it It is a good sport. No age. A lot of people from different backgrounds . A nice group of people.¨
Tony Lam, five-year member of Milwaukee Table Tennis
Toni says that he plays table tennis at the South Side Serbian Church on Wednesdays and Fridays; he adds, ¨We have coaching lessons too. If interested, call Milwaukee Table Tennis Club or go to the website.
Reporter Jude 