It was a beautiful Texas day as a large crowd descended on St. Stanislaus Catholic Church in Chappell Hill for the annual homecoming bazaar on September 5, 2010. A delicious catered barbecue dinner with all the fixings was served beginning at 11am along with plenty of cold beer and soft drinks. There were Grocery, Ham and Sausage, Cake, Vendor Booths and bingo for the adults and a Toy Booth, Train Rides and other activities for the kids. The grand auction with lots of great items was held at 2pm.
Brian Derkowski and the River Rats entertained the crowd throughout the early afternoon. Later on, a Polish music jam session broke out on the side steps of the church. Musicians and singers at the jam session included Brian, Jakub and Michal Marshall, Brian Wisnoski, Sonny Janczak, Dr. Jim and James Mazurkiewiecz, Frank Motley and Ronnie Dutka.
Daniel Cendalski and the Country Boys entertained the crowd at the evening dance with a mix of old Polish and Texas country music. While the band took a break, St. Stanislaus pastor Fr. Jozef Musiol presided over the raffle drawing which included a total of 25 great prizes. Throughout the evening, a small group of Polish patriots led by Adam Dratwa and Brian Marshall would spontaniously break out into Polish song. Fr. Jozef and Fr. Leszek from Our Lady of Czestochowa parish in Houston and Polonia Restaurant owners Andrzej and Sharon Szpak even joined in on a few songs.
Below are a few photos of the fun and there is a slideshow of more photos on page 2
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.