This post documents my experience on July 31, 2015.
Just west of Cleveland’s Cultural Gardens sits St. Casimir’s…
…a church that the Cleveland Diocese closed in 2009 along with 28 other area parishes.
But, thanks to a dream that a parishioner had involving the Virgin Mary…
…a movement began that brought believers outside the locked gates to pray…
…and they returned each and every week…
…until the Vatican finally gave its OK…
…and reopened St. Casimir’s.
If you’re interested in this event, I suggest you check out the blog A Voice from the Rustbelt, where Stan can give you a more personal (and detailed) account. You can start with this Short History post and go from there.
Meanwhile, I’ll just focus on the festival.
I arrived early on opening night and was given 5 food and drink tickets in exchange of my $5 admission.
In the outside area…
…the entertainment had already begun…
…as festival goers were acquainting themselves with the beer truck…
…and the outside cooking stations were grilling kielbasa…
…and frying up french fries and perch.
They also advertised chleb ze smalcem – or lard spread on bread…
…but it, unfortunately, wasn’t there that day.
Another time.
The inside area had even more food…
…as the serving station offered dishes that included…
…stuffed cabbage…
…cabbage and noodles…
….desserts….
…and so much more.
I think this is the Polish platter!
Looks great!
With a large dining area…
…and even more entertainment…
…it didn’t take long for some festival goers to visit the bar…
…and consider their luck among the various raffles.
I know I even considered this mega prize of Polish Spirits.
A big na zdrowie to the winner!