Taste of Polonia – Labor Day weekend

Since 1979, the Copernicus Foundation has sponsored the annual “TASTE OF POLONIA” outdoor festival – the largest Polish festival in the City.   The “TASTE OF POLONIA” offers a wide variety of live entertainment on 5 stages, food vendors serving the best of Polish cuisine, games of skill and chance, performances by ethnic dancers and musical groups, original arts and crafts, handiwork, imported items, as well as exhibits familiarizing festival goers with many aspects of Polish customs, culture, traditions and language.  Many languages are heard on the grounds because “Taste” has become one of the most popular ethnic fests in Chicago, drawing crowds well over 30,000 during its four day span.

Special guest at the Taste of  Polonia  in 2004,

Senator Barack Obama

Rahm Emanuel, U.S. Congressman at 2004, who introduced  Senator Barack Obama at the Taste of Polonia.

Participants of Taste of Polonia in 2004 had unique opportunity to see future US leaders. Rahm Emanuel, U.S. Congressman at that time who introduced  Senator Barack Obama. Few years later Barack Obama was elected as  the U.S. President. Shortly after election he invited Rahm Emanuel to be his Chief of Staff.

John Pikarski, Barack Obama, Bogdan Pukszta and Andrzej Mikolajczyk at Taste of Polonia in 2004.

It is worth to mention that many other US leaders attended Taste of Polonia. They were Democrats and Republicans.

In 1992, the Taste of Polonia was honored by the presence of and hosted by President George H. W. Bush.

In 2000, the fest was visited by Vice-President Dick Cheney. 

 Photo: Krystyna Teller, POLISH NEWS  and Andrzej Mikolajczyk

  Photo Gallery from the Historical Taste of Polonia-2004 at:

https://polishnews.com/index.php?option=com_wrapper&view=wrapper&Itemid=310

 TASTE OF POLONIA 2010

September 3-6, 2010

  Enjoy non-stop live music, food and fun for all ages at the 31st Annual Taste of Polonia over Labor Day weekend!

**Five stages feature music for every taste from rock to dance to classical! Chicago’s own: Abba Salute, Rick Saucedo, Grazyna Auguscik, Kashmir, Libido Funk Circus, 7th Heaven, Gentleman of Leisure and more! Polish artists: Sztywny Pal Azji, Elektryczne Gitary, /visas pending!!!/ Plus Maggie D, Veselovsky, Cake Factory, and Funky Polak! Classical Performances: Paderewski Symphony Orchestra and Chopin Choir. Plus a great line-up of Chicago club DJs on the dance stage each night!

**Delicious, old-world Polish favorites like polska kielbasa, pierogi, potato pancakes and imported beers will surely satisfy your appetite!

**Families can visit “Kids World” with Radio Disney, inflatables, face painting, Disney Princesses and special activities for the youngest guests!

**The festival also offers traditional folk dance and theater performances, arcade games, “Big Nick’s Casino,” free Polish cooking classes and a Festival Marketplace where you can shop for old-world treasures!

Festival hours are: Friday, September 3: 5-11 PM; Saturday & Sunday, September 4-5: 12-11 PM; and Monday, September 6: 12-10 PM.
For more information and a complete music schedule, visit:

 www.tasteofpolonia.copernicusfdn.org