Taste of Polonia
The Taste of Polonia is a Chicago neighborhood festival held at the Copernicus Cultural and Civic Center in the Jefferson Park community area of Chicago in Cook County, Illinois, United States every Labor Day weekend since 1979. It is the Copernicus Foundation's major fundraiser (there is an admission charge) and a four-day celebration of Polish cultural heritage, traditions, and customs. The Taste of Polonia features delicious Polish cuisine, entertainment on three stages, as well as numerous Polish handcrafters and artisans.
The festival attracts attendees from Chicago's Northwest Side, the rest of Chicago, as well as from outlying areas. It draws more than just people with a Polish heritage, but from all ethnicities. Taste of Polonia has become one of the most popular ethnic fests in Chicago, drawing crowds well over 30,000 each year[1]. As one of Chicago Polonia's chief festivals, numerous local and national politicians have made it a stop on their campaign trail during the election season. In 1992, the Taste of Polonia was honored by the presence of and hosted by President George H. Bush. In 2000, the fest was visited by Vice-President Dick Cheney, Mrs. Tipper Gore, and Mrs. Hadassah Lieberman.
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