Michigan Polish Festivals

Poles make up one of Michigan's largest ethnic groups, and Polish heritage celebrations are common throughout Michigan during the summer. Events vary at the festivals, with some holding classic car shows to celebrate Polish immigrants' contributions to Michigan's auto industry, and others featuring carnival midways complete with roller coasters and merry-go-rounds. Fairgoers can definitely expect live bands playing traditional Polish music, craft exhibitions and vendors offering Polish culinary favorites.

Michigan's Polish Heritage

Michigan has welcomed millions of Poles since the 18th century, experiencing the largest wave of Polish immigrants between 1795 and 1918. According to the Michigan Department of Education, more than 170,000 Poles settled in the state in 1912 alone and more than 200,000 Poles fled to Michigan to escape Soviet rule following World War II. Most Poles settled in and around Detroit, and the suburb of Hamtramck was home to one of Michigan's largest Polish communities. Polish immigrants provided labor for Detroit's early auto manufacturers, beginning in 1914, when Dodge opened its first plant in Hamtramck.

American Polish Festival - Sterling Heights

The American Polish Century Club holds its festival every July in Sterling Heights, Michigan. The 2011 celebration marks the Festival's 30th anniversary. The 2010 festival featured children's events and activities, carnival rides and music by Polka bands such as The Kielbasa Kings and Duane Malinowski & the Polka Jamboree. There were also traditional Polish dance performances by the Zajaczek Dance Ensemble and a craft exhibition featuring more than 50 local artisans. Vendors served pierogies, kielbasa and paczki, a deep-fried dough treat.

Bronson Polish Festival - Bronson

Bronson's Polish Festival has been held every year since 1969. It begins with a fireworks show on the first night of the three-day celebration. The Bronson Polish Festival features live traditional music, Polish cuisine and craft exhibitions. Organizers also choose fair "royalty" from a pool of applicants. The festival also includes a Polish heritage parade through the streets of Bronson. The 2010 festival featured a car exhibition, a talent show and reenactments of 17th century Polish battles.

St. Mary's Polish Country Fair - Orchard Lake

St. Mary's Fair originated as a Polish craft show in 1972. The fair, which is held on school grounds every Memorial Day weekend, features 45 carnival rides, including a roller coaster. Vendors sell pierogies, stuffed cabbage, hamburgers, corn dogs and other American fare. There is also a music tent, with live bands and dancing throughout the day. St. Mary's also has a Bingo tent and the 2010 celebration featured a raffle with a $10,000 prize.

References

• Michigan Department of Education: Polish Geneology Research
• The Johns Hopkins Comparative Nonprofit Sector Project: Defining the Nonprofit Sector: Poland
• University of Michigan: Bentley Historical Library: Polish Americans in Michigan
• University of Michigan: Michigan in Brief
• The American Polish Festival: The American Polish Century Club, Inc.: Sterling Heights, Michigan: History 1961-2001
• The American Polish Festival: Entertainment

Resources

• American Polish Festival: Contact Us
• 41st Annual Polish Festival: A New Decade, A New Beginning
• St. Mary's Polish Country Fair: St. Mary's Fair Events