Celebrate Poland set to kick off 11th year

Staff report

POLAND

For the 11th-consecutive year, a weekend of fun will celebrate Independence Day and the Poland community.

Celebrate Poland kicks off at 5:30 p.m. Friday with the annual Strawberry Festival at Poland Presbyterian Church, and closes Saturday night with a fireworks display.

“Celebrate Poland is one of the best things about living in Poland,” said Cindy Best, event committee president. “It’s that one summer event where people of all ages can meet, reconnect, have fun and make friends. We have a strong sense of community here.”

Other Celebrate Poland traditions will continue, including an arts and crafts show, pie-baking contest, parade, the Poland Idol singing contest, the “Chalk the Walks” sidewalk art contest, walking tours, a book sale at the Poland branch of the Public Library of Youngstown & Mahoning County, food vendors, live music and more.

New this year are a reptile show, $2 pony rides and family games.

Saturday’s festivities start at different times, with Chalk the Walks registration beginning at 8 a.m., Poland Idol registration at 10:30 a.m. and show at noon, pony rides from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., family games at 1:30 p.m., a free reptile show at 2 p.m., and more.

During Saturday’s events, a free shuttle service will be available. Between noon and 4 p.m., a shuttle will run from Poland Methodist Church. Between 6:30 and 11:30 p.m., shuttles will run from the church and from Poland Seminary High School. Parking at those sites is free.

For information, visit the “Celebrate Poland” page on Facebook. Booklets with detailed event information are available at businesses in Poland.