The Polish Heritage Day Celebration moves to Austintown Plaza for its fourth year and expands to a second day of activities.
Before the full festival on Sunday will be Zabawa, which recreates a nightclub in Krakow. Four live bands will offer a mix of polka, rock, jazz and fusion at the event starting at 5 p.m. Saturday.
Also part of Saturday's festivities will be an all-you-can-eat pierogi buffet featuring eight flavors ranging from the traditional to sweet cabbage, sweet cheese and fruit and pizzarogis. The cost for the buffet is $12.99 or $1 per flavor.
Competitors in a pierogi eating contest Saturday will see how many of the buttered dumplings they can eat in three minutes. The entry fee is $10 with each contestant receiving a pierogi T-shirt and prized for the top three finishers.
In attendance Saturday will be Polish-Canadian television sportscaster Edward Zawadzki. Based out of Toronto, Zawadzki specializes in the combat arts and he is the author of ''The Poles in the New World.'' In addition to talking about that topic, he will be hosting a sports trivia contest throughout the night.
Sunday's Polish Heritage Day Celebration starts with a Catholic Mass and music provided by Jimmy K and Ethnic Jazz.
Polish Day celebrates all things Polish and will feature two polka bands, folk art vendors, Polish language and cultural workshops as well as festival favorites like a basket auction, door prizes and 50/50 raffles. An expanded children's area includes an inflated castle.
Special folk dance performances will be given by the Krakowiaki Polish Folk Circle and Living Traditions Folk Ensemble.
A variety of Polish foods will be available, including a two-pound Polish platter featuring stuffed cabbage, potato pancakes, cabbage and noodles, pierogi and more. A bakery and deli also are available with nut rolls, paczki and more.
Zabawa runs from 5 p.m. to midnight Saturday and Polish Heritage Day runs from 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday in the parking lot of Austintown Plaza, 6000 Mahoning Ave., Austintown. Admission is $5 each day with children ages 12 and younger admitted free on Sunday. Those attending on Saturday can use their wristbands for $1 off admission on Sunday.
For more information, call 330-646-4082.