The Toledo Area Polka Society (TAPS) will hold its 8th Annual Polish Summer Picnic, sponsored by Genoa Bank. The event is on Friday and Saturday, June 16 and 17, at Oak Shade Grove Pavilion, 3624 Seaman Road, Oregon.
Admission is $10, and children under 16 are free. Hours are Friday, 5 to 11 p.m., and Saturday, noon to 11 p.m.
Polish picnics are a tradition in the villages of Poland. Often spontaneous in their planning, they celebrate the villages’ heritage and community spirit. Sometimes lasting all weekend, they provide a venue for celebrating Polish heritage and culture.
The TAPS Summer Picnic features five nationally known polka bands: John Gora & Gorale, Duane Malinowski’s Polka Jamboree, Seven, DynaBrass, Concertina All Stars and a special performance from the Toledo Polish-American Concert Band.
There will be Polish foods from Stanley’s Market, Toledo Swiss Society, Focaccia’s, Carolyn’s Catering and B’s Pierogi. An expanded bar will feature Polish beers including: Zywiec, Warka Lite Lager, Perla, Okicim, Kozel and Tyskie. Apparel, souvenirs and coffee from Tiedtke’s Roast House and Coffee Shop will be available.
Guests can expect lighted, secure, free parking with shuttle service.
TAPS was formed in 1983 when a group of polka enthusiasts began to discuss ways to preserve Polish-style polka music. From the beginning, its purpose was to promote live Polish-style polka music, a mission which continues to this day. TAPS endeavors not only to perform Polish-style polka music, but to collaborate with other polka organizations across the country to preserve the music for future generations.
Visit tapspolkas.com for more information.
