74th Polish Constitution Anniversary Celebration, May 5th, 2024

74th Polish Constitution Weekend Celebration in Parma, Ohio
The 74th Polish Constitution Weekend Celebration in Parma, Ohio, was a resounding success, filled with vibrant cultural displays, heartfelt community participation, and a deep sense of heritage and pride. This annual event, organized by the Polish American Congress-Ohio Division in collaboration with Parma Polish Village, brought together people from all walks of life to commemorate the historic May 3rd Polish Constitution of 1793, a symbol of freedom and democracy.

Sunday Mass at St. Charles Parish
The festivities began with a bilingual mass at noon at St. Charles Parish in Parma, Ohio. This special service was graced by the presence of children from the Henryk Sienkiewicz Polish School, who read the petitions, adding a touching element of youth and tradition. The "Piast" Polish Folk Song and Dance Ensemble contributed to the mass by delivering readings in both English and Polish. Elizabeth Suhak's performance of Polish and English songs received warm applause from the congregation. As is customary, many attendees took the opportunity to capture memories with the students dressed in traditional Polish folk costumes.

Polish Festival and Grand Parade
Following the mass, the Polish Festival with its bustling marketplace, delicious food, and refreshing beverages opened at 1 PM. The atmosphere was lively as people anticipated the Grand Parade, which stepped off at 2 PM. The parade commenced with a color guard carrying flags, setting a patriotic tone. Grand Marshall Ewa Wiechec, Director of the Henryk Sienkiewicz Polish School, led the parade, followed by students and members of the North East Ohio community, businesses, organizations, public servants, and delegations from local Ukrainian, Lithuanian, Estonian, and Latvian communities.

The parade was a visual feast, with colorful costumes and enthusiastic marchers creating a joyous spectacle for onlookers. Following the parade, a short program featured greetings from Fr. Eric Orzech, benediction, and speeches from notable figures such as Polish American Congress Ohio Division's President Tomasz Kacki, City of Parma Mayor Tim DeGeeter, US Senator Sherrod Brown, Parade Grand Marshall Ewa Wiechec, candidate for US Congress Dennis Kucinich, and US Congressman Max Miller.

Cultural Performances and Activities
The celebration continued with an artistic program where students from Henryk Sienkiewicz Polish School recited poetry commemorating the May 3rd Constitution. The "Piast" Polish Folk Song and Dance Ensemble performed traditional dances like the Krakowiak and entertained the crowd with Polish folk songs. During costume changes, "Piast" Director Agnieszka Kotlarsic invited children from the audience to join in a fun and engaging Polish folk dance routine, much to the delight of their parents.

The day concluded with a spirited performance of "Polka Warszawska" by the "Piast" dancers. The festival's food vendors were a hit, with all vendors selling out by the end of the day at 6 PM. Despite concerns about the weather, the skies remained clear, allowing the event to proceed without interruption.

Gratitude to Our Sponsors and Organizers
This wonderful celebration would not have been possible without the generous support and hard work of many individuals and organizations. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Joe Rutkowski, Natalie Zidd, Dr. Mitchell Bienia, councilwoman Debbie Lime, and Kathy Mabin, who were instrumental in organizing the parade and festival. Special thanks to our sponsors who donated money, time, and resources, ensuring the event's success.

A Celebration of Heritage and Community
The 74th Polish Constitution Weekend Celebration in Parma, Ohio, was more than just a festival; it was a vibrant expression of our community's heritage and a testament to the enduring spirit of the Polish people. It provided an opportunity for civic engagement, community building, and celebrating the values enshrined in the May 3rd Polish Constitution, which was modeled after the US Constitution. We thank everyone who participated, contributed, and attended, making this event a memorable occasion for all.

We look forward to next year's celebration and continuing the tradition of honoring our rich cultural heritage and fostering a sense of community and pride.