My mother once told me, the problem with Americans is that they forgot how to laugh at themselves. I believe that to be true. So when we got off the shuttle bus at 119th Street in Whiting, I laughed out loud when I read this sign. I've been waiting all year to return to Pierogi Fest...the perfect antidote for America today. A festival celebrating Polish people, culture, music and food while having a little fun with Polish stereotypes. It's a Polish festival that laughs at itself...just what we all need to do more often.
Of course the real world can get in the way of all that laughter. Since 119th Street is closed and full of people enjoying the festival, local and county law enforcement have to barricade the street...just in case. But now back to the fun stuff...
...the Polka Parade
Yes, this really is the mayor of Whiting. Joe Stahura has been Mayor since 2003.
Whiting is about to open a Mascot Hall of Fame. I guess this is the city's mascot.
Pierogi cheerleaders each one representing a different filling which is depicted on their hats.
The pictures don't really need any words. But you have to be careful because the Babushka Brigade will leave a big red lipstick kiss on your cheek if it looks like you aren't having fun.
I love the babushkas on the dogs.
Music and dancing on this float.
The Gary Railcats baseball team gets in on the fun...
...so does my favorite hockey team from Chicago, a city that has a few Polish people.
Mr. Pierogi turns 21 this year and Bulldog Brewery in Whiting created a beer for the occasion...the Mr. P Polish Lager.
The Highland Model A Club supporting the Polka Parade.
The Dancin' Busias are always entertaining.
Most of the parade participants were throwing candy to the kids, but the Local 41 Laborers Union was tossing the best candy.
This is a "Shake Your Pierogies" for breast cancer float. I love the sign on the left. It reads "For guys, every month is breast awareness month".
The local Catholic High School has a nice float.
I have no idea what to say about this...
...but this made me laugh.
The Babushka motorcycle gang.
The Yellow Sub-Morons float.
This was a highlight for both Chrissy and me. The Whiting lifeguards marching in the parade.
What made this so special for us? Three of these young men ran over to an older lady in the crowd next to us. They each said "Hi Grandma" and gave her a kiss. She turned to us so excited with a huge smile and proudly said "Those are my grandsons". We both just laughed and said we already figured that out.
The Peddlin' Pollacks
Another very funny moment when Jesus says if someone throws him a beer, he will perform a miracle. Of course someone from the crowd tossed him a can of beer. Jesus guzzled the beer...
...then he really did perform a miracle. One of his disciples poured water on the street and Jesus walked on water right in front of us.
Another crowd favorite...
...the comical Precision Lawn Mower Drill Team.
We followed the parade into the festival.
We had a polish sausage with sauerkraut and some pirogis from this stand because they had the best slogan...I Got a Mouthful of Big Frank's Sausage.
We shared a picnic table with a young couple and their little boy. We had an interesting conversation about changes that occur in one's lifetime. I said when I was your son's age there was no way I could ever imagine an Apple I-phone and everything I can now do with this handheld device. It seems so incredible to me. So maybe in your son's lifetime, he will tell his wife...I have a job on the moon, I'll be back in two days.
I love this festival. It's incredibly crowded but the people are all having fun, there is a lot of food vendors and live music....so please join us next year at Pierogi Fest. We did some Christmas shopping here so maybe if you've been good, Santa will give you a Pierogi Fest gift this year.
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