Polish food, culture, entertainment on full display at today's festival in Austintown
AUSTINTOWN
Mike Ostrowski’s style of dress may have made him look like a man ready to do battle, but in reality, it probably won him many hearts.
“The feathers were an intimidating factor against an army,” the Detroit man explained. “It was an unnatural thing to see a 9- or 10-foot wing coming at you.”
Ostrowski was referring to two large sets of feathers that were part of an outfit he wore, which resembled a combination that was common in the Polish Calvary during the 1600s. The armor and feathers he had on also were a source of interest for many who attended Saturday’s eighth annual Polish Heritage Day festival at St. Anne Ukrainian Byzantine Catholic Church, 4310 Kirk Road.
Hosting the 12-hour event was Polish Youngstown, an organization that formed in fall 2008 and is dedicated to promoting, educating and inspiring people regarding Polish culture and customs.
The gathering offered plenty of entertainment, foods and workshops, as well as music and dance classes related to Polish history and culture.
Read more about the event in Sunday's Vindicator or on Vindy.com.