42nd Annual Polish Festival Kicks Off in Riverhead This Weekend

RIVERHEAD, NY — This weekend, thousands will flock to Riverhead for one of the most popular events of the year, the 42nd Annual Polish Town Civic Street Fair and Festival.

Every year, crowds come to taste Polish fare, enjoy vendors' wares, bring the little ones to a carnival — and to kick up their heels to traditional polkas.

The fair got its start in 1975, after the Polish Town Civic Association organized the event to raise funds. The fair was designed to be reminiscent of those held in Poland, and includes a celebration of Polish heritage, with foods, music, dance — traditional polkas —and a reenactment of a traditional Polish wedding at on Pulaski Street.The Polish Festival is always presided over by the Polish Queen.

The festival takes place on both Saturday and Sunday, with a free street fair and carnival both days from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m.

Vendors will be onhand, with booth featuring a variety of foods, crafts, imports, arts, jewelry and specialties.

Food a'plenty will be available, including traditional favorites such as kielbasa sandwiches, homemade pierogi, and babka.

Saturday events:

10 a.m. Polish Mass at St. Isidore’s RC Church, followed by a reenactment of an old fashioned Polish Wedding at noon on the church steps.
11:30 a.m. Flag raising ceremony by the show mobile with a Polish choir, plus demonstration of Polish customs.

Music both days at the show mobile will be provided by DJ Hank.

In addition, a Polish Dance Festival will take place at Polonaise Park, with six hours of polka fun beginning at 5 p.m. Music will be provided by The Boys along with Mike Costa and the Beat. Admission is $13 for adults children under 12 $8.

Sunday:

Family entertainment begins at the pavilion at noon.