After an extraordinary successful inaugural year in 2012, the Polish Festival returns to Seattle Center, 11 a.m. – 9 p.m., Saturday, July 13. Look for colorful Polish arts and crafts, savory and sweet pastries and other Polish delicacies, live music and dance and workshops and demonstrations in Seattle Center Armory and Fisher Rooftop.
In what will hopefully become an annual event at Seattle Center, Polish Festival this year features classical, folk, jazz and contemporary music and dance performances on two stages. Hands-on sessions demonstrate cutout paper art, pierogi making and traditional pickle soup for adults and scavenger hunts and arts and crafts for younger festival-goers.
A Folk Fashion Show presents regionally inspired costumes from Poland, and merchandise booths showcase Polish glass art, hand-crafted pottery, crystal, jewelry and cutout paper art. A well stocked beer garden offers a variety of imported Polish beer to accompany the authentic Polish food. An evening participatory dance to live music wraps up the day.
You’ll find historical exhibits with memorabilia honoring Polish achievements and contributions, especially in the Pacific Northwest. Local Polish-American community organizations will provide information on travel to Poland for business and recreation.
The Polish-American community of the Pacific Northwest, with a century long presence, has organized events at their cultural center on Capitol Hill. As in 2012, the community is reaching beyond its traditional neighborhood to invite all to explore and enjoy Polish traditions and learn about the contemporary Polish-American culture.
For more information on the Polish Festival, click on www.polishfestivalseattle.org. For information on public programs at Seattle Center, visit www.seattlecenter.com or call (206) 684-7200.
