Polka Fest 2019, sponsored by Blessed Mary Angela Parish, doubles the fun Sunday, Aug. 11 from noon to 8 p.m on the grounds of St. Hedwig’s Church, Roberts Road and Doughty Street in Dunkirk

Not one, but two bands will be playing continuous polka music. Two bandstands will be set up for improved viewing. The featured headliner once again is the internationally-renowned “Lenny Gomulka and the Chicago Push” while the opening band, Buffalo’s “Special Delivery,” will provide toe-tapping music until 3 p.m. On Aug. 31, Lenny Gomulka will be inducted into the International Polka Association Hall of Fame as the number one vocalist in the world.

For the first time in Chautauqua County, an outdoor Polka Mass will be celebrated under the Big Top at noon with Blessed Mary Angela’s pastor, the Rev. Jan Trela, as celebrant. Special Delivery will provide the musical accompaniment for this Mass. All are welcome.

What is a polka fest without plenty of food and beverages and it appears the menu for this event has almost doubled from last year. Back by popular demand is the famous Chiavetta’s chicken barbecue Blessed Mary Angela style, which means $10 will get you a half BBQ chicken, mashed potatoes with gravy, mixed vegetables, dinner roll with butter, ice cream cup, and a beverage choice of coffee, lemonade, raspberry iced tea, or water.

OBSERVER File Photo Pictured are attendees from last year’s Polka Festival.

Advance tickets for the chicken barbecue are on sale after weekend Masses at St. Hedwig and St. Hyacinth churches and at the following satellite locations: Big Rick’s One Stop, Matt’s News and 4th Ward Deli, all in Dunkirk, or Tommy’s Barber Shop in Fredonia. Out-of-towners may contact Tony at 467-0891.

Chiavetta’s chicken dinners will be served inside the parish social center from noon until 4 p.m. Outside, however, a variety of food also will be offered. Hot dogs, hamburgers, and Polish sausage sandwiches will be available throughout the afternoon. Cheese pierogi will be served beginning at 3 p.m. Pizza by the Slice will be available starting at 4 p.m. Beer, wine, soda and water will be offered as thirst-quenchers on a hot August afternoon.

No picnic baskets, coolers, or pets will be allowed on church property.

As the polka fest is the parish’s major fundraiser, expect to find many games of chance, as well as the Premium Gift Raffle and Fantastic Basket Raffle. The Premium Gift Raffle includes a two-seat glider donated by Tom and Cindy Guenther, refrigerator full of beverages, snowblower, flat-screen TV, kayak and many other fantastic prizes.

Since there is no admission charge for this fun-filled event, the committee is asking festival-goers to be especially generous in their purchase of raffle tickets.

To entertain the youngsters on hand, Kids World will offer plenty of games and activities (including a bounce house) for the little ones beginning at 2 p.m.

Polka Fest 2019 would not be possible without the support of its sponsors who also have doubled in number since last year’s inaugural event. Blessed Mary Angela Parish would like to express its heartfelt gratitude to each and every sponsor as well as all the dedicated volunteers and parishioners for making this event possible.