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Four Fraternals Unite for Polish
American Day
at Great America
Written by PRCUA
Vice President Anna Sokolowski
Chicago, IL - (Photos) On Saturday,
June 2, Polish American Day was held for the first time at Six Flags Great
America in Gurnee, IL. This is the largest theme park in Illinois, with lots
to see and do and a lot of fun. This event was sponsored by four Polish fraternals and their vice presidents: Polish National Alliance - Paul
Odrobina, Polish Women's Alliance - Sharon Zago, Polish Falcons - Robert
Gorny and this event was chaired by PRCUA VP Anna Sokolowski.
It was beautiful, sunny day
with a light breeze - just what we prayed for. It was exciting to see from
the highway the neon signs advertising Polish American Day with the names of
our organizations flashing in bright lights.
The fraternal VPs and
Acting Consul General of the Republic of Poland - Pawel Pietrasienski,
greeted Polish Americans, mostly students and dancers, to the park. Also
present were PRCUA Directors Krystyna Lech, District #8; Elizabeth
Grabowski, District #9, as well as PNA Treasurer Casmir Musielak.
Polish television "POLSTAT"
was at this event and we made sure that the young people were included in
the interviews. Everyone had a fun-filled day at the attractions. In the
evening, we attended a special performance by the Polish dance ensembles:
Wesoly Lud and Polonia from the PRCUA and Wici, Lajkonik and Polanie from
the PNA.
The show was wonderful and
incredible in every way. It has been a dream of the fraternals to get dance
groups from various organizations on stage and let them perform together.
This could not have been done without the cooperation of the fraternals and
dance group directors, choreographers and parents. Enormous credit should go
to Misia and Richard Jaminski from "Wesoly Lud", Anna Krysinski and Cecylia
Roznowska from "Polonia", Magdalena Solarz from"Wici", Halina Misterka
from"Lajkonik" and Malgosia Skrzypkowski from "Polanie". Dancers - 122 in
total - after spending an entire day at the Six Fags attractions, showed on
time, all dressed up in the beautiful, colorful costumes.
According to tradition, the
show started with a Polonaise by Wici, followed by Slask by Polona,
Krakowiak by Polanie, Rzeszow Suite by Lajkonik, Sacz Suite by Wesoly Lud,
Warmia Suite by Polonia, Polka by Polanie, Mazur by Wici, and Oberek with
Kujawiak by Lajkonik and a Suite from Eastern Krakow by Wesoly Lud.
Everyone was amazed and
impressed with the performances. The dancers received a standing ovation,
showing the audience’s appreciation for the impressive work by our
choreographers and beautiful dancing by our youth. Wesoly Lud choreographers
Misia and Richard Jaminski helped sort through all the music and dance
routines details and for this we are most grateful. The beautiful
performances helped make this Polish American Day a memorable one. The
fraternals truly appreciate everyone’s work, cooperation and enthusiasm.
Everyone put their hearts and souls into this event, as well as their
energy, time and money (the dancers had to purchase tickets). Thank you!
Plans have already begun
for next year's event and hopefully more members will take advantage of the
discounted tickets and show their Polish American pride by joining us at
this and other events organized by the Polish fraternals.
This was the fourth
event sponsored this year by the four Polish fraternal organizations.
Previous events included a Polish American Night at Cellular Field (April
19th), a Fraternal Bowling Tournament (April 23rd) and the Fraternal Junior
Bowling Tournament (April-May). This is what fraternalism is truly all
about! |
