Houston’s 4th Annual Polish Festival is a celebration of all things Polish – the food, the music, the language, the customs and the culture of the Polish people. The Festival is held on the grounds of Our Lady of Czestochowa Church conveniently located at 1731 Blalock Drive, in the Spring Branch area of Houston, about 1.5 miles north of the Katy Freeway. The festival will run from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm on Saturday, May 1, 2010 and from Noon to 6:00 pm on Sunday, May 2, 2010
Featured at the Festival is a large sampling of traditional Polish foods such as pierogi (stuffed dumplings), golabki (cabbage rolls), bigos (hunters stew) and kielbasa (sausage) and a huge assortment of traditional cakes, rolls and desserts lovingly prepared by the parishioners of Our Lady Of Czestochowa Catholic Church. There will be plenty of ice cold beverages to go along with the food.
A really talented entertainment lineup this year includes the Slavic Heritage Band, Zawadiaki, Chris Rybak the Texas Accordion Cowboy and his lovely wife Edita and Brian Marshall and the Tex-Slavic Playboys who will bring his special brand of Polish dance music to the stage. Brian will be joined this year by the all-star cast of Bradley Jay Williams, Tim Walsh, Mark Rubin and Chuck Bolin.
This years festival provides a really good entertainment package for an admission price of *free* along with free parking.
As part of the festival, visitors will be able to tour the beautiful church constructed in the traditional Polish style and will be able to see the Icon of Our Lady of Czestochowa, the Polish Black Madonna, and learn of Our Lady’s 600 year old history as protector and defender of the Polish nation.
In addition, the festival provides a supervised, safe and fun children’s area complete with games, face painting, kids’ snacks and other fun activities to keep the kids entertained. Inside the beautifully decorated parish hall, visitors will find a silent auction full of unique items on which to bid. The entire parish community of Our Lady of Czestochowa extends an invitation for everyone to come and celebrate all things Polish with them or as they would say – Zapraszamy! (We welcome you!).
Entertainment Program for the Fourth Annual Polish Festival
Saturday, May 1
10:00am – 10:15am………Opening ceremonies and the National anthems of Poland and the U.S.A.
10:15am – 11:15am……… The Slavic Heritage Band performs spirited polkas and waltzes
11:15am – 11:45am………. Polish “Oldies but Goodies” performed by Teresa Puchala & Cleo Rundzjo
11:45am – 12:30pm……… The Slavic Heritage Band performs more spirited polkas and waltzes
12:30pm – 1:30pm….……The Gorale Band presents traditional, regional Polish music
1:30pm – 2:30pm………..The youth from our Polish school perform traditional Polish dances & songs
2:30pm – 3:30pm…….. Cut a rug with Music by Brian Marshall and the Texas Slavik Playboys, Texas-Polish dance band
3:30pm – 4:30pm…….….Our parish’s own musical group Zawadiaki plays traditional and modern Polish music
4:30pm – 5:30pm……….Continue the celebration with Brian Marshall and the Texas Slavik Playboys
5:30pm – 6:00pm….The Gorale Band is joined by the youth from our Polish school for traditional songs & dances
6:00pm – 7:00pm………..Kawiarenka, a showcase of performers and an intro to our festival sponsors
7:00pm – 8:00pm………..Put your dancing shoes back on for Brian Marshall and the Texas Slavik Playboys
8:00pm – 10:00pm………Dance the night away to music by Zawadiaki & DJ Chris Piorkowski
Sunday, May 2
12:00pm – 12:30pm………Opening ceremonies with colors presented by the youth of our Polish school
12:30pm – 1:30pm……… A special presentation and a performance by the youth from our Polish school
1:30pm – 2:30pm…………. Our parish’s own musical group Zawadiaki plays traditional and modern Polish music
2:30pm – 3:30pm…………Pull up a chair and be entertained by Chris Rybak, Texas cowboy accordionist
3:30pm – 4:00pm………… Kawiarenka, a showcase of performers and an intro to our festival organizers
4:00pm – 5:30pm………….More great songs & music by Chris Rybak, Texas cowboy accordionist
5:30pm – 6:00pm………….Close out the festival dancing to the music by DJ Chris Piorkowski
James Smock has always held an interest in his Polish ancestors and heritage. He is a native Houstonian with Polish roots in Bremond, Marlin and New Waverly, Texas.