Dyngus Alive & Well in Buffalo - Toledo Polonia not so much

You would think that with more than 10% of the Toledo area's population being Polish-American and that we rank 3rd on the ethnicity "hit parade", we'd have a much better showing as far as festivals and events are concerned.

Buffalo Polonia does a great job organizing huge events several times a year. But, Dyngus Day really stands out as a unique Polish-American event that encompasses the entire Buffalo region.

See: DyngusDayBuffalo.com

Listen to the National Public Radio Dyngus Day Report: Click Here

See: Newspaper article with schedule & Dyngus Day Ads




The entire city embraces the Easter Monday theme (which lasts all week)and businesses profit from it. Here, in pretty much boring Toledo, we could take a lesson from the folks in Buffalo. During the week of Smigus-Dyngus even non-ethnic and Irish bars hire polka bands and serve pierogi and other Polish foods. There are dances and other events all over the Buffalo region. Maybe next time will do a better job trying to elect a Toledo Mayor like Keith Wilkowski.

A few years ago I shuffled off to Buffalo just to experience how the whole community pulls together to celebrate Polishness regardless of one's individual ethnic background.



Already preparations are being made for this year's events in Buffalo:

Dyngus Day Buffalo, a grassroots initiative to promote Buffalo-Niagara's Dyngus Day activities, will hold an organizational meeting for all interested parties on Thursday, February 1st at 6:30pm at St. Stanislaus Church on Fillmore Avenue.

This year's Dyngus Day will take place on April 9, 2007 with activities in the Buffalo region continuing through April 15th. To be discussed at the session will be local & national media opportunities, cooperative marketing programs and the organization of Buffalo's first ever Dyngus Day Parade.

Also on the agenda will be remarks by David Lacki, Director of Tourism for the Greater Buffalo Convention & Visitors Bureau. Lacki will discuss the growing cultural and ethnic tourism industry and how, if property marketed, can have a positive economic effect on the entire region.

The Dyngus Day Buffalo meeting is open to the public including all promoters, event organizers, and other interested parties who would like to assist in growing one of North America's most unique ethnic traditions.