Rockford's annual Polish Fest is right around the corner. Here's how to attend like a pro

Ken DeCoster, Rockford Register Star
·2 min read
A volunteer demonstrates how pierogis are pinched and sealed by hand Monday, July 18, 2022, in the old St. Stanislaus School in Rockford
A volunteer demonstrates how pierogis are pinched and sealed by hand Monday, July 18, 2022, in the old St. Stanislaus School in Rockford

ROCKFORD — Polish Fest returns Sunday to St. Stanislaus Kostka Church in southeast Rockford.

If you've never been to the annual event, it's the city's second-longest running festival and a joyous feast for the body, mind and soul.

The one-day event features all of the Polish delicacies you'd expect — from kielbasa to pierogi to placki — as well as plenty of polka music and Polish dancers.

Here's what you need to know to make the most of your visit:

If you're coming for the food, don't get there too late

Polish Fest is known for its authentic foods, most made by hand by the St. Stanislaus Ladies Auxiliary.

More news:Welcome to the 'pierogi factory,' the secret behind Rockford's Polish Fest

“We have 19,000 pierogi that we made this year,” Polish Fest co-chair Dan Jaworowski said. “We’re going to have varieties including meat, potato, cheese and sauerkraut. There will also be frozen pierogi available. The line for pierogi is long, so get there early.”

Jaworowski also urges festival goers to sample the grilled kielbasa sandwiches, potato pancakes with sour cream and the kolaczki cookies with fillings.

Come for the food, stay for the polka

One might wonder if you were at the right festival if you didn't see any polka dancing, the traditional dance of the Polish. Syrena Polish Folk Dancers from Milwaukee will be there this year to entertain the crowds throughout the afternoon.

In the mood to dance? Polka lessons will be offered to festival goers who wish to learn various versions of the classic Polish-American dance.

If wouldn't be Polish Fest without some Polish beer

Pig Minds Brewing Co. is offering a new “Piwo”, a special-run Polish beer, with matching t-shirt for sale.

Dress the part

Polish Fest is held in the parking lot behind St. Stanislaus Church. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes as you’ll be standing on hot asphalt for hours.

Comfortable shoes also are recommended in case there's no parking nearby and you need to walk a little further to get to the festival. Depending on the weather, sunscreen is recommended, as well.

Bring the kids. There's plenty for them to do

“There are games for the kids,” Polish Fest committee member Jeff Bremer said. “There will also be carnival rides and games for the kids out on the street in front of the church. It’s just a fun day.”

Where and when

Polish Fest will run from 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday. There is no entrance fee. St. Stanislaus Church is located at 201 Buckbee St.

Ken DeCoster covers business news and features. Contact him at 815-987-1391, kdecoster@rrstar.com or @DeCosterKen. 

This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: Pierogis & polka aplenty: Polish Fest returns to Rockford