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PAC Ohio Division Carries on a 64-year Tradition Since its founding in 1948, the Ohio Division of the Polish American Congress (PAC) has annually sponsored Ohio’s official celebration of the signing of Poland’s Constitution of May 3, 1791. This year is no different. The PAC — sponsored celebration is not only a parade, but an entire weekend of events. This year, our celebration takes place May 4-6, 2012. FRIDAY, MAY 4, 2012 — POLISH HAPPY HOUR Polish American Congress — Ohio Division, will be hosting Polish Happy Hour at Donna Smallwood Activities Center (Formerly Parma Senior Center), 7001 West Ridgewood Dr., Parma, Ohio from 6:00 P.M. ’til Midnight. Polish Platter will be provided by Little Polish Diner and Kraków Foods. The competition for Miss Polonia will take place. Polish beer, vodka drink specials, polka music, food and contests are on the agenda. SATURDAY, MAY 5, 2012 — POLONIA BALL The evening’s program is set for the Polonia Ball, which will be held at Donna Smallwood Activities Center (Formerly Parma Senior Center), 7001 West Ridgewood Dr., Parma, Ohio. Miss Polonia will be announced. Music for listening and dancing pleasure will be provided by Jimmy K with Ethnic Jazz. Tickets are $15.00. Polish Platter will be provided by Little Polish Diner and Kraków Foods. Drinks will be available for purchase. This year’s Miss Polonia Ohio Competition will culminate at this event. Applications are now being accepted from 18-26 year old Polish girls from throughout the state. In addition to cash prizes, the winner will be invited to participate in the Miss Polonia USA contest, which will be held in New York City this fall. We will also have Jr. Miss Polonia Ohio Competition from ages 13-17 at this event. SUNDAY, MAY 6, 2012 — Wreath Laying, Mass and Grand Parade Sunday’s events will commence early with the traditional laying of wreathes at 8:00 A.M., provided by the Department of Ohio, Polish Legion of American Veterans, at the Polish Garden in Cleveland’s Cultural Gardens, in honor of Tadeusz Kosciuszko and also next to the City of Cleveland, City Hall, Casimir Pulaski Monument. A traditional Polish Mass will be celebrated at 9:30 A.M. at St. John Cantius Church on the corner of Professor and College Avenues in Cleveland’s Tremont neighborhood. After the mass, breakfast will be hosted by the Ladies Auxiliary of Polish Veterans Alliance, Post 1 at 10:30 A.M. Arrangements are well under way for making this parade the best event ever. Over the years the official parade has been held at various sites, including University Circle, downtown Cleveland, and Slavic Village. This year’s official parade will be held in the City of Parma (In The Newly designated Polish Village). It will step off at 2:00 p.m. at the Parma Circle, on Ridge Road, head north, and proceed to Ridge and Snow Roads, where it will conclude. Formal Program after the Parade will be held under big tent behind Parma Cafe and the Little Polish Diner, located at 5772 Ridge Road, Parma, Ohio 44129. Parma Mayor Tim DeGetter and U.S. Congressman Dennis Kucinich will participate in the program. As in past years, many elected officials will be present at the program, many of whom will be participating in the parade. We will march to the beat of many drummers since all five of Parma’s high school bands have already committed to participate in the parade! The Grand Marshall of this year’s parade will be Monsignor Leon Telesz. New entries committed to participate in the parade as of this date include: • Floats from St. Mary’s Polish National Catholic Church; • Floats from Cleveland Polka Association and US Polka Association; • A Bay Village-based group of businessman known as “The Polish Navy;” • A large equestrian unit, and; • An antique car contingent and many other floats. Also invited to participate are color guard units from all branches of the United States military, as well as all veteran posts in northeast Ohio, Polish Legion of American Veterans, Polish Army Veterans and Polish Veterans Alliance. A unique program will follow the parade under the big tent behind Parma Cafe and the Little Polish Diner, located at 5772 and 5780 Ridge Road, Parma, Ohio 44129. In addition to presentations from area officials, guests will be able to enjoy beverage booths, provided by Polish American Congress, Ohio Division, and food provided by Little Polish Diner and Kraków Foods. Music will be provided by Jimmy K and Ethnic Jazz and performances by some of the area’s Polish folk dance groups. As further plans develop, they will be posted on PAC’s recently renovated website, www.polishamericancongress-ohio.com. Applications to march in the original Polish Constitution Day Parade are also available on the PAC website. For further information, please call Mark Relovsky, General Chairman at (216) 970-0507, Francis Rutkowski, Co-Chairman at (216) 299-2684 or e-mail him at profar511@gmail.com or Allan Szuflada, PAC 2nd vice-president at (330) 659-9465. Please join us to make this a spectacular celebration! Click HERE to Download/Print "Celebrating Our Proud Heritage" Click HERE to Download/Print "Schedule of Events" Click HERE to Download/Print "Parade Application" Click HERE for the "Miss Polonia Pageant Application" Click HERE for the "Junior Miss Polonia Pageant Application" Click HERE for the "Fund Raising Application" Click HERE to Download/Print "Polonia Ball" |