July 13, 2013 marked the second annual Polish Festival in Seattle Center. Together with audiences of Seattle and surrounding areas, the local Polish-American community, celebrated Polish culture and traditions. The Festival featured classical, folk, jazz and contemporary music and dance performances on two stages. Workshop sessions demonstrated cutout paper art, ‘pierogi’ making and traditional pickle soup for adults and scavenger hunt and arts and crafts for younger festival-goers.
The ceremony was joined by U.S. Congressman Jim McDermott, Seattle Mayor Mike McGinn, and Seattle Center executives. Representing the Polish Consulate General of Los Angeles, Consul Malgorzata Cup presented Polish Presidential medals and awards for members of the local Polish community.
- The Order of Polonia Restituta was presented to Andrzej Mróz, for his relentless dedication to quest for freedom through the Solidarity activities and community engagements.
- The Crosses of Freedom and Solidarity were received by Urszula Kubik and Stanislaw Kościów for their contributions and participation in the Solidarity movement.
- Barbara Strutyńska and Marian Strutyński were awarded the “Angel (Anioł)” recognition (established by Consul General Joanna Kozińska-Frybes) in appreciation for their contribution to the Polish community and support of the consular outreach in Seattle.
The exhibits showcased historical artifacts and living legends who participated in Poland’s journey to freedom:
- Captain Witold Alexander Herbst, the legendary 303 Squadron pilot, was signing his book Podniebna Kawaleria. He is the inspiration for a documentary film in progress You are Always a Pilot.
- Krystyna Bałut presented the book and a movie A Trip to Nowhere, a fascinating and inspiring story of survival in face of forced deportations, as remembered through childhood memories and life in labor camps in Siberia during World War II.
- The historic military uniform exhibit and the collection of posters Poland – Historical Milestones and Polish Wings in the Second World War, highlighted important moments in Polish history with key events, places, people and facts.
- The example of folk art was the “szopka” (nativity scene), created in Seattle by Adam Wleklinski and restored by Alisa Lahti. It glowed in the light of the Seattle Center Armory surrounded by sounds and sights of the Polish culture.
Presented again this year was a very popular folk fashion show featuring regionally inspired costumes of Poland. Performance groups from Seattle, Portland, Vancouver BC, and Victoria BC provided continuous entertainment throughout a day. Artists indeed: choir Vivat Musica!, Agnieszka Laska Dancers, Folk Ensemble Polonez, PARNO Drom, White Eagle Band, pianist Lilian Marzena Szlaga, and jazz group Knife in the Water Quartet.
The merchant booths showcased and sold glass art, hand-painted ceramics from Boleslawiec, crystals, jewelry, water color paintings and paper art cutouts. The beer garden served a wide selection of imported Polish drinks and there was plenty of authentic delicious Polish food.
Local Polish-American organizations provided information about their achievements and promoted Poland as great place to visit for business and holiday travel. For nearly a century, the vibrant Polish-American community of the Pacific Northwest organized events in their cultural center in Seattle’s Capitol Hill neighborhood. As in 2012, again this year, the community invited all Seattleites to explore and enjoy Polish traditions and learn about the contemporary Polish-American culture at the Seattle Center.
For more information about the event please visit www.polishfestivalseattle.org