PACT Cancels 2020 Northwest Ohio Polish American Festival

Tom Pruss, President, Polish-American Community of Toledo and Event Chairman for the 2020 Northwest Ohio Polish American Festival, has announced that the board of the Polish-American Community of Toledo (PACT) voted to cancel the 2020 festival which was scheduled for May 29 – 31 at Club Sixteen, 316 King Rd., Holland.

The festival is a significant fund raiser for the on-going efforts to build a Polish Cultural Center in land donated by the Northwest Ohio Building Trades Council near their building along Front St. near I-280 across from the National Museum of the Great Lakes.

“We have been monitoring the whole Covid-19 situation and had built-in two go / no-go dates of March 30 and April 15. But with the governor’s announcement extending the shelter in place order until May 1, PACT would have had difficulties completing the final arrangements,” said Mr. Pruss. “We had the vendors and entertainment all lined-up, but with this festival being a destination event with people coming from other cities and states, we felt this posed a significant health risk for folks, especially seniors, who would have liked to attend.”

Mr. Pruss stressed that between PACT, and other area Polish organizations, there are still a number of great Polish events yet to come this year --- Especially in October which is Polish Heritage Month. PACT is in the planning stages for the Traditional Polish Wedding Celebration in September. Newlyweds are encouraged to enter into a sweepstakes and PACT presents the winner with an all-expense paid traditional Polish wedding reception. Rules and information will be posted on PACT’s website PolishCommunity.org and on Facebook.

“We hope everyone remains safe and healthy and when this crisis is over we look forward to seeing everyone at events that PACT and other Polish organizations will host this year,” said Mr. Pruss.