Jak się masz? The Little Poland Festival Kicks Off April 27th

Since 1890, New Britain's Broad Street neighborhood has served as the heart of New England's Polish community.  In recent years, the area has seen a cultural renaissance.  Officially designated "Little Poland" in 2008, Broad Street has taken on a new life.  If you have never visited the area, you might be in for a pleasant surprise.  The area now boasts over 100 businesses that include culinary delights, professional services, and unique shopping.   

While uniquely Polish, the city's Little Poland district is the very personification of the American Dream.   With shoppers walking from shop to shop, the area recalls the glory days of Main Street USA.  You won't find chain stores here. Instead you will find unique mom and pop stores with items not found anywhere else. Adventurous shoppers can discover imported items including carved chess sets, imported glass, Christmas ornaments and Polish themed items.  In addition to shopping, the area boasts several award winning restaurants ranging from take out to elegant sit down dining.  Have a little fun and try ordering in Polish.  I'll give you a hint.  The Polish word for beer is "Piwo"

In search of Polish music, books or a Polish soccer shirt, you might want to try the Quo Vadis gift store.  Want to visit the largest Polish themed store on the east coast?  Check out Polmart which boasts its own hair salon, day spa, bakery, deli, and grocery store.  You'll find the only branch of the United States Post Office with the words "Poczta" alongside "Post"  You can even order stamps in Polish. Need a Polish speaking attorney?  The law office of Podorowsky Thompson & Baron is one of the few law firms in the state that offers the service.  Voted best law firm of 2013-14 by readers of the New Britain Herald, they maintain an office on the street.  In addition to legal help, you can do your banking, taxes, travel plans or get a haircut.  Need a little off the top?  If you are so inclined,  you can ask in Polish.

Of course, Broad Street's biggest draw is the food.  The area is full of wonderful delis, bakeries and restaurants.  The Belvedere is a popular stop for members of Congress, foreign dignitaries, Olympians and world ranking boxers.  Not to be outdone, Staropolska Restaurant was featured on the Travel Channel and has received rave reviews from the NY Times and other publications. The area's improvements lead the Boston Globe to dub the area "a City's Polish Heart."

So are you thinking of visiting?   April 27th might be a good time to visit as the area hosts the annual Little Poland Festival.  With leaping folk dancers, costumed characters, spinning carnival rides, live music, arts & crafts and great food, the Little Poland Festival is quickly becoming one of the region's fastest growing events. This year's festival takes on special meaning as the late Pope John Paul II will gain sainthood.  (As then Archbishop of Krakow, the Pope gave mass in Little Poland's Sacred Heart Church in 1969). The event will also honor popular news anchor Ann Nyberg and cartoonist J. Timothy Quirk as  "Little Poland Ambassadors" for their work in promoting the area. New Britain Mayor Erin Stewart will serve as Grand Marshal. 

The fun kicks off on Broad Street April 27 from 11 AM to 7 PM.  And don't forget to take a picture with Stanley the Little Poland Dragon, the area's official mascot.