FESTIVALS & EVENTS : Beer, Music, Food on Tap for Polish-American Day
Pitchers of beer brewed on the spot, platters of homemade food and Sam DeFazio’s Goodtime band await you Sunday at Alpine Village in Torrance as part of the 12th annual Polish-American Day, sponsored by the Polish National Alliance Orange County Lodge.
Gates to the village open at 11:30 a.m., and the festivities run from noon to 7 p.m. About 2,000 people are expected to attend this family-oriented event.
Alpine Village re-creates the ambience of a European village, with shops offering bakery and deli items, handmade crystal and imported finery. The event takes place in a shaded area near the shops.
DeFazio’s band will play waltzes, tangos, obereks (the national dance of Poland), mazurkas (from the Mazur region of Poland) and American music from noon to 3:30 p.m. The California Connection will play a variety of music from 3:30 to 7 p.m.
The Gorale Polish Folk Dancers from Anaheim and Polskie Iskry from Garden Grove--wearing native costumes--will perform folk dances throughout the day. The Gorale dancers, directed by Rick Kobzi, have been performing at the Los Angeles County Fair for 25 years.
There will be exhibits on the different regions of Poland, and boutiques selling Polish books, records, tapes, crafts, costumes and religious items.
The John Paul II Polish Center will have a gift store selling dolls and souvenirs to benefit the church in Yorba Linda.
Homemade pierogi (“Polish ravioli”) and other authentic dishes and desserts can be purchased, as well as beer (some from the microbrewery at Alpine Village), wine and soft drinks.
The Polish National Alliance is a nonprofit fraternal organization. The Orange County chapter has been operating for two decades and has more than 500 members. Their monthly meetings and annual events raise money for scholarships and charitable organizations.
At the festival, toast to your health with a hearty Na Zdrowie!
What: 12th Annual Polish-American Day.
When: Sunday, Aug. 16, from 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Where: Alpine Village, 833 N. Torrance Blvd., Torrance.
Whereabouts: San Diego (405) Freeway north to Harbor (110) Freeway south, to Torrance Boulevard. Alpine Village parking lot is across the street from the off-ramp.
Wherewithal: Admission $5 (children under 12 are free with an adult). Dinners are $5. Parking is free and plentiful.
Where to Call: (714) 971-1942 or (714) 679-0553.