Is there a better way to spend a day then listening to great music and eating a delicious pierogi? Nope, there sure isn’t! Presented by the Whiting Robertsdale Chamber of Commerce, the 19th Annual Pierogi Fest kicked off on Friday at 11:00 a.m. in Historic Downtown Whiting, Indiana at 119th Street and Indianapolis Boulevard.
Rows of delicious pierogis, haluski, sauerkraut, kielbasa, corn on the cob, and elephant ears tempt you as you make your way through the festival. Booths are filled with tee-shirts, candles, toys, and much more.
If you keep an eye out, you might even spot Mr. Pierogi himself making his way through the crowds, chatting and posing for pictures.
“The great thing to me about Pierogi Fest is that it’s a celebration of culture and heritage,” Mr. Pierogi, a.k.a. Matt Valukis, Principal and Designer at V as in Victor Creative Agency, said. “This is one of the very few festivals where we celebrate Eastern European heritage. I love the fact that I get to celebrate my heritage and I love the fact that I get to be Mr. Pierogi. I’ve been able to be Mr. Pierogi for the past 16 years! I am very proud to be a part of this festival.”
Pierogi Fest has become a community staple. It is estimated that over 200,000 people will come out and enjoy the festivities.
“We have been to every Pierogi Fest for the past 17 years,” Whiting native Gloria Dosen said. “I grew up here in Whiting and went to high school here. I come back every year [for the festival] even though I don’t live here anymore.”
“We sit here right by City Hall to watch all the entertainment,” Judy Pitlik, a long-time friend of Dosen, commented . “On Saturday and Sunday, we like to see all the international dancers in their costumes and their different dance routines.”
“We sit in the same spot every year, and have for the past fifteen years. We can see everyone coming and going,” Dosen said.
The festival boasts a full and entertaining schedule, including the International Polka Parade Friday night at 7 p.m., the David Shareef Magic Show at noon on Saturday, the International Slovak Dancers at 2 p.m. on Saturday, and the Pierogi Eating Contest on Sunday at 3:30 p.m. And this is just the tip of the iceberg!
Friday night, all day Saturday and until 2:00 p.m. Sunday, the festival is packed with entertainment for the whole family, located at four different stages. Children can jump around in the Bounce House or get a balloon animal, while adults can sit back and listen to great music while enjoying a mid-summer beer.
For more information and to view the festival schedule, please visit: http://pierogifest.net/aboutus.html