GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — What began as a weekend festival in Grand Rapids in 1972 has now grown into a week-long celebration of Polish heritage.

The annual Pulaski Days begins Sunday with a flag-raising ceremony. It starts at 2 p.m. in the Diamond Hall. Following the ceremony there will be food and music.

“It is important to start with raising the flag to get everyone going. It’s really true and shows that this is where our Polish heritage lies,” said Michelle Kershner, chairwoman of Pulaski Days. “We are bringing out our dignitaries, the mayor is there making sure everything is initiated and done accurately and correctly because this is the time of Polish pride.”

All week long you can stop by any of the 14 participating halls to celebrate with Polish food, music and tradition. There are some new features this year, including non-alcoholic drinks in the halls and a completely digital information book about the festival.

There will be music and events in the halls all week long. There will be a Keilbasa eating contest on Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. and the Pulaski Days Parade begins on Saturday at 11:00 a.m. The parade begins in Valley and Fulton and ends in Seward and Fulton.

More information about Pulaski Days and the daily events can be found here Here.

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