Polish Fest honors colonial leader

Military engineer Kosciuszko helped defeat British

While enjoying polkas, pierogi and other traditional pleasures of Milwaukee’s Polish Fest this weekend, consider spending a few moments learning about one of this country’s greatest Polish friends, Tadeusz Kosciuszko.

The festival, which takes place Friday through Sunday at Maier Festival Park, is commemorating the 200th anniversary of the death of Kosciuszko, a military engineer and leader who played a vital role in helping the American colonies defeat the British.

University of Wiscons in Parkside professor emerita Anne Gurnack will give a talk on Kosciuszko remembrances and memorials at 2 p.m. Friday. Then, at 2 p.m. Sunday, “Kosciuszko From Three Perspectives” will feature local historian John Gurda; Claude Krawczyk, chairman of the restoration committee for the Kosciuszko monument in Milwaukee’s Kosciuszko Park; and historian Angela Pien ko.

The Syrena Polish Folk Dance Ensemble of Milwaukee will perform several times daily during the lakefront festival, including a fashion show of traditional costumes at 5:30 p.m. Friday.

The Chopin Youth Piano Competition will feature both junior (ages 10 through 14) and senior (15 through 18) musicians playing polonaises and other compositions by the Polish composer. Visit the Chopin Vodka Cultural Stage at 3 p.m. Sunday.

Hours: Noon to midnight Friday and Saturday, noon to 8 p.m. Sunday

Admission: $12 at the gate, $10 for seniors 55 and older. Children 15 and younger free.

Discounts: 50-cent admission from noon to 5 p.m. Friday, $5 admission Friday after 5 p.m. Free admission Sunday (Father’s Day) for dads accompanied by their child of any age.

Mass: Gates open at 9:30 a.m. Sunday. Mass begins at 10:15 a.m.

Fireworks: 10:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday

Capuchin Run-Walk for the Hungry: 7 p.m. Friday. Info at goo.gl/7LnQ6r. Info: polishfest.org