By City Times staff

STEVENS POINT – The Dozynki Harvest Festival will celebrate over 150 years of Polish heritage in the community with the 16^th annual jamboree of food, paczki, and polka dancing.

Dozynki is a traditional harvest festival that in earlier times was held on the autumn equinox. Today, the celebration is held on a Sunday following the harvest season.

The festival begins with downtown events on Sept. 14. The Dozynki returns to Downtown Stevens Point after a hiatus. Polish Heritage Awareness Society Director Trish Mrozek recalls the earlier days of the festival.

“Years ago, there were people who would wear authentic attire,” she said. “It used to be a big fall festival.”

Mrozek added that representatives from the Portage County Genealogical Society will be on hand to help visitors trace their family heritage. “To find out what your ancestor’s story is? What your story is,” Mrozek added.

Other Saturday events include a farmer’s market on the Square, children’s activities, historical and genealogical displays, polish food and drink, and Polish Tatra Mountain dogs.

At 10 a.m. at the Mc Gauglin Pavillion, Portage County men who served in the Polish Armed Services during World War I will be honored.

On Sept. 15, at 10:30 a.m., a polka mass will be held at St. Stephens, 1401 Clark Street, followed by a chicken dinner at the Family Moose Center, 1025 Second St. North.

Polish food and drink will follow at the center, along with more polka music entertainment.

Dozynki royalty will be crowned at 5 p.m.

For more information, visit www.polishheritageawareness.com.