GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Pulaski Days, the week-long festival in Grand Rapids that celebrates Polish heritage, is celebrating a big milestone — 50 years in existence!
During the festival, 14 Polish clubs and fraternal organizations open up their doors to the public, welcoming anyone to come enjoy food, music and Polish traditions.
"Each one of our 14 Polish halls have something special about them," Michelle Kirshner, the Pulaski Days Chairwoman. "Maybe they offer a special food, or maybe they're Lithuanian, or maybe they have a little bit of Polish and German ties. Whatever it is, it's all pulled together within our 14 Polish halls.”
Many people might think the term 'Pulaski' is the Polish word for Poland or Polish people. However, it's not a word. Rather, it's a name.
“Casimir Pulaski was actually a person, a general in the American Revolutionary War, and he has been called the 'father of the American Calvary,'" said Kirshner. "Pulaski Days is our way of celebrating Polish American heritage and General Casimir Pulaski."
What started, as a weekend festival in 1972 to support the Polish halls, has grown into a week-long celebration.
READ MORE: Pulaski Days celebrates 50 years of Polish heritage in West Michigan
About Pulaski Days
Pulaski Days was founded in 1972 by Ed Czyzyk and Walter Ulanch to support the local social clubs by sharing Polish culture with the entire Grand Rapids community. The annual event has now grown into a week-long celebration that includes a parade, polka mass, flag raising, and kielbasa eating contest. For additional information visit our website www.pulaskidays.org.