WORCESTER, Mass. - The diverse culture in Worcester was on display yet again this weekend. Not long after the city's Italian population celebrated their heritage, the Polish population did the same Saturday.
The White Eagle hosted its first annual Polish Festival, welcoming hundreds to try traditional Polish foods like kielbasa, pierogis and different types of pastries while enjoying Polish music. In 1937, the White Eagle was established as a Polish membership club. The White Eagle is celebrating its 85th anniversary. Organizers say the idea started as a small picnic and slowly blossomed into something much bigger.
"We started out as a small little Polish picnic, and we ended up being - it just got bigger and bigger with the more interest that we've gotten," said organizer Leila Jachimczyk. "This was more of a, you know, picnic for our members and our regular customers, but we're so, so excited to have everyone here."
"I think it's important to celebrate culture," said Paul Chlebecek, who was visiting the event. "You know, Polish culture, along with all the other cultures here in Worcester's very prevalent, so happy to be out here supporting the efforts of the city."