GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- The Polish Heritage Society of Grand Rapids will hold the 47th annual Dozynki Harvest Festival this weekend. The society says the festival is Grand Rapids' longest-running ethnic festival.
The festival will take place at Calder Plaza in downtown Grand Rapids starting Friday, August 22 and running through Sunday, August 24. The festival is open on Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and on Sunday from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Admission to the festival is free. Vendors will have food, beverages and crafts for sale. The festival will also include entertainment from Tony Blazonczyk's New Phase, the Bruce Packard Band and Gerry Kaminski's Polka Network. Individuals will also be able to explore the cultural tent, watch traditional cooking demonstrations, visit the beer tent and cheer on those taking part in the paczki eating contest.
Dozynki is a Polish tradition of celebrating the end of the harvest season.
"Dozynki is a wonderful opportunity for the community to come together and experience the lively music, delicious food and rich cultural heritage of Poland," said Sarah Sharpe, a Polish Heritage Society board member. "This year is especially meaningful as we honor two individuals, Bob Wojcik and Char Czarnecki, who truly embody the spirit of community and service that our heritage celebrates."
Bob Wojcik, known as "Wojo", will be awarded the 2025 PHS Citizen of the Year award. PHS says Wojcik, a retired tool and die production supervisor, has dedicated his life to giving back through sports and community service. He has spent 45 years as a high school and collegiate basketball officials and leads community relations for the West Michigan Officials Association. Through that organization, Wojcik helps with camps for visually impaired youth. A ceremony celebrating him will be held on Saturday, August 23 at 6 p.m.
This year, the festival will dedicate the Char Czarnecki Children's Tent in recognition of Czarnecki's dedication to PHS and volunteering. The society says Czarnecki is a pillar of the local Polish community and her commitment is an inspiration. The tent will include crafts, balloon creations and face painting for the young Polish festival attendees.
You can learn more about the Polish Heritage Society of Grand Rapids and the festival's schedule of events here.
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