EAST CHICAGO – The northwest corner of Northwest Indiana is a magical place where pierogi sing and dance and kielbasa grows on trees.
The latter will be part of the scene in Kosciuszko Park this Saturday as part of Kielbasa Fest, the “little brother” of last month’s Pierogi Fest, said Steve Segura, East Chicago’s multimedia director.
A Polish kielbasa with lots of ketchup, mustard and onions, served on a slice of Polish rye bread.
Aaron Dorman
“The Polish community is important to our local history,” Segura said. “Kielbasa is a great dish with a lot of character. And the festival’s influence is growing.”
The event will feature Polish dancers, a Kielbasa Festival King and Queen, and live music. The emcee will be Tony Panek, who wears glasses to hide his uncanny resemblance to Mr. Pierogi.
The kielbasas hanging from trees are only meant for photography. But festival-goers will be relieved to know that kielbasas will will be available for consumption, Segura confirmed, as well as other Polish specialties. About a dozen vendors at the event include Big Franks, an East Chicago icon, and MJ Polish Deli of Hammond.
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Kielbasa Festival
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While kielbasa literally means “sausage” in Polish, Americans usually confuse the term with the sausage variety “zwyczajna,” a smoked, peppery meat mixture that is usually formed into a U-shape. The sausage is usually served grilled with sauerkraut and onions.
Video provided in partnership with The Times, JEDtv and WJOB. Sponsored by Strack & Van Til.
The Kielbasa Fest itself grew out of a bizarre case of statue theft in 2015. A bust of Revolutionary War hero General Thaddeus Kosciuszko was recovered and repaired, but in the aftermath of that commotion, East Chicago city officials thought it would be a good idea to host an annual Polish heritage festival, Segura explained.
“We’re counting on good food and good weather,” said Segura. “It will be an unforgettable, wonderful event.”
The Kielbasa Fest takes place on Saturday from 2 to 8 p.m. Readers can find more information on the event page on Facebook.
