On Monday morning , April 18th, we attended the 10am opening of Dyngus Day 2022 that took place this year at the Gordon Green Event Center on Detroit Avenue.
Fortunately, we got there a little early because, despite the cold and semi-snowy weather, a formidable number of people attended.
To be sure, it was the first large-scale Dyngus Day celebration in two years due to the Covid-19 pandemic although we understand that there was a small gathering in 2021 at the Forest City Brewery.
As we have written before, Dyngus Day originated in Poland and is regarded as a “fun day” marking the end of Lent. It is distinguished by dancing to Polka music, the drinking of beer, the consumption of perogies paczki aka jelly donuts, the crowning of “Miss Dyngus Day” and the ensuing parade.
https://www.holidayinsights.com/other/dyngusday.htm/
While we waited for the ceremonies to start, we visited a nice man wearing a “Polka Santa” jacket named Sonny who travels to Cleveland all the way from Orwell each year to take part in the festivities.
We also got to take some photos of three cheerful former Miss Dyngus’ who were Ms. Patricia Karabowicz (2017), Ms. Marlene Thompson-Ski (2018), and her sister Ms. Erika Thompson-Skovich (2021) who were more than happy to pose for us.
Finally, opening ceremonies were conducted by the legendary DJ Kisha against a background of music played by the Chardon Polka Band.
Of course, Mr. Doug Kusak was on hand to once again read his famed poem, “Twas the Day before Dyngus” whose content perfectly rhymed with that of “Twas the Night before Christmas.”
Even though a slight rain shower was taking place, the proceedings got off to a wonderful start.
As DJ Kisha observed, “we are all being baptized by the polka spirits!”
