Boyne Falls, Michigan Polish Festival
With its population of more than 38 million people, Poland has nationals living around the world and a history dating back to the tenth-century AD. Poland was occupied by Nazi Germany during World War II and was later under the control of the Soviet Union until Communist rule was overthrown in 1989. Today, the United States has more Polish descendants than any country in the world outside of Poland, with nearly two million in Chicago alone.
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Boyne Falls
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Boyne Falls is located on the water in northern Michigan. With a population of just 3,500 people, this charming small town is tight-knit and busy. Eleven acres of waterfront property provide a place to fish and boat, while Boyne Mountain is one of the Midwest's largest winter resorts. The annual Polish Festival is held over four days every August and attracts transplanted Poles from around the United States.
Events
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The Boyne Falls Polish Festival is spread out over four days; in 2010, the festival runs from August 5 to 8. The festivities start at 6 p.m. on August 5 with a car show, followed by dancing with the Fabulous Oldies But Goodies Band. August 6 is Youth Day, featuring the Youth Parade and three-on-three basketball tournament. Early Saturday features a 5-kilometer run at 8 a.m. before the motorcycle show and teen dance that night. Sunday, August 8, are the closing activities including an 8 a.m. Mass, a horseshoe-pitching tournament and a four-wheel drive mud race.
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Polka
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Polka dancing got its start in the mid-nineteenth century in Central Europe and is still popular within America's Polish community. A polka tent with live bands and a large dance floor is open every day on the fair grounds, with a 21-and-over age requirement after 5:30 pm. The tent is open from 6 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. on Thursday, 10 a.m. to 1 a.m. on Friday and Saturday, and noon until 11 p.m. on Sunday. A one-night pass costs $6, with a multi-day pass costing $15 to $20.
Little Miss and Little Mister Boyne Falls
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Since its inception 35 years ago, the Boyne Falls Polish Festival has crowned a Little Miss and Little Mister Boyne Falls. The crowned royalty are specially featured in the Youth Parade, which begins at 4:30 p.m. at the corner of Maple Street and Railroad Street. Young people decorate their bicycles with streamers, balloons and other colorful objects for the ride.
Food
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Suzy's Polish Kitchen serves traditional Polish fare every evening. Guests can sample dishes, such as the pierogi, a boiled or baked dumpling stuffed with meat, vegetables or cheese, and kolacz, an unleavened pastry filled with nuts, fruit or cheese. A concession stand selling typical fair food like pretzels and hot dogs operates daily. On Saturday, August 7, the Boyne Falls United Methodist Church hosts a chicken dinner at noon.
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References
- Photo Credit poland flag icon. (with clipping path) image by Andrey Zyk from Fotolia.com
