CHICAGO — Each year, the approach of Labor Day weekend has Jefferson Park businesses and residents preparing for tens of thousands of visitors to swarm the Copernicus Center, 5216 W. Lawrence Ave., for the annual Taste of Polonia festival.
Billed as the largest celebration of Polish food, music and culture in North America, the festival will host four live music stages between Friday and Monday. The lineup is packed with a diverse array of acts, ranging from traditional polka to Reely Dan, a cover-band of the 1970s rock group Steely Dan.
Nine food vendors will combine for a globe-trotting menu including kebabs, hot dogs and churros. But the festival is best known for its bottomless well of Polish staples and delicacies, including sausage, potato pancakes and pierogi.
A casino, carnival rides and history exhibits will also be included in the fest.
Taste of Polonia will be open from 5-10 p.m. on Friday, noon-10 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday and noon-9 p.m. on Monday.
Tickets, which are $5 before 5 p.m. and $10 after 5 p.m., are available online. Children younger than 12 are granted free entry.
More information is available on the Taste of Polonia website.
