BRONSON — The Polish flags, red and white banners, and polka dot dresses are stored for another year after this weekend's successful 54th annual Bronson Polish Festival.
For three nights and two days, the city's population of 2,300 more than doubled with events spread around town.
Thursday night, the festival crowned its royalty. Gary Ratkowski was named king for 2024, and festival council secretary and Branch County Clerk Terry Kubasiak was crowned queen. Crowned as princess and prince, Veronica Bir and Carson Stevens. Vada Miller was the junior princess. Porter Ludwick was named junior prince, and his twin brother Wyatt was named honorary junior prince.
On Friday, Kids Day, Douglass Park was filled with 400 kids accompanied by parents, grandparents, and family members for games, activities, and a chance to spray the fire hose.
Jacob Mayer sang at Memorial Park both days while craft and other vendors sold on Matteson Street.
Restaurants and organizations sold plenty of Polish food, and Kiwanis served breakfast pancakes at the fire station.
Bands entertained. Friday night, crowds filled a downtown parking lot for a street party.
Classic cars cruised at the Strike Zone and in the parade.
Racers ran the Saturday morning 5k race.
Truck owners pulled Saturday for trophies and bragging rights.
Local teams competed in the softball and bowling tourneys.
Hundreds lined Chicago Street on Saturday afternoon for the almost hourlong parade from St. Mary's Catholic Church to Wayne Street.
The entire Bronson Volunteer Fire Department received the honor of Grant Marshal. All their trucks joined the parade, with fire trucks from neighboring St. Joseph County departments to honor them.
Bronson Jr./Sr. High School athletes who won state honors rode as Honorary Grand Marshals.
Tractors, from huge ones that barely fit under traffic signals to small home farm models, honored the agriculture that brought many Polish to the area.
Businesses, politicians, community, and fraternal organizations marched along the mile-long route.
The festival ended Saturday night with dinner and a Polka party at St. Mary's gym.
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Planning begins now for the 55th Bronson Polish Festival in 2025.
— Contact Don Reid: dReid@Gannett.com
This article originally appeared on Coldwater Daily Reporter: For the 54th year, Bronson celebrates Polish heritage
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