The weekend I look forward too all year finally arrived, with bonus beautiful weather! But after tying one on Friday night at the Oaks Park Oktoberfest, I wasn’t sure how much enjoyment I could endure at my favorite Fall event, the Portland Polish Festival. But I had no need to worry – once again the experience lived up to my exalted expectations!
Heather and I had noted last year that the Polish Festival crowds start to thin around sunset, which also means the wait in the placki ziemniaczane (potato pancake) line becomes tolerable, and walking from point A to point B does not necessitate time consuming and frustrating navigation around multiple double-wide strollers and dawdling perambulators. Despite knowing this, however, we arrived around 5:30pm. We endured, however, with the help provided by a couple bottles of piwo.
With the help of said beer we perused the offerings of the fest.
In the vendor village we were tempted, but did not give in to, the Kiss Me I’m Polish wear. For one thing, neither of us are Polish. But when at the Polish Fest, we wish we were!
Because of the crowds, we decided the best course of action was to find a comfortable spot to establish a home base, and wait until sunset for things to open up a bit.
Fortunately we secured a couple seats at the back of the main tent with our friends Brent and Lesley.
We fueled up for the rest of the evening with potato pancakes.
From our vantage point we watched and listened to the Polka Beats perform during the polka contests.
The Polka Beats have played every year we’ve been going to the Polish Festival. They, needless to say, rock.
After the polka contests, they played until dark, at which point they moved into the Polish Hall building to play for the rest of the evening.
Next up on the outdoor stage were the headliners, Chervona!
Heather and I first heard Chervona play at last year’s Polish Festival. We were blown away, so to speak. This band is amazing. They play every Last Thursday at the Alberta Street Public House, and lots of other places. Follow them on Facebook!
We had a fantastic time. And we learned that bouncing up and down to Chervona while photographing yourself leads to blurry photos.
See you next year! The Portland Polish Festival in 2011 takes place Saturday and Sunday, September 24 and 25!
That looks like it was so much fun. Again, darn sore throat! Next year. I definitely need to do some jumping up and down soon.
“Dawdling perambulators.”
Nerd.