Polkas, Pierogis and Fun As Riverhead Polish Festivals Unfold: Photos

RIVERHEAD, NY — It was polkas, pierogies, and an overwhelming sense of love and pride this weekend as two Polish festivals unfolded in Riverhead.

The two-day events had crowds flocking to downtown Riverhead for food, music, dance, vendors, and more.

For the first time since 2019, the Polish Town Civic Association in Riverhead hosted the well-loved "Polish Town Fair and Festival."

According to the civic association's website, the event, held in Polish Town on both Saturday and Sunday, included appearances by the Polish Queen, a Polish wedding and parade at noon, mouthwatering Polish fare, a Polish car show, polka music, children presenting traditional folk dancing, a DJ, live music, scores of vendors, and more. A party under the tent also took place Saturday night.

Stephanie Galka, second vice president of the civic association, said the organization this year has been "revitalizing what was dwindling though the years. We're turning a new leaf and we're on to a new era. We're all very excited."

This year's newly-crowned Polish Town Queen, Natalie Runowski, attended with her Court, she said.

Also this weekend, the Riverhead Polish Independent Club, which hosted an event during the years when the civic association's festivities were on pause, presented the 2024 Polish Festival at Polish Hall on Marcy Avenue, on both Saturday and Sunday.

That event featured the John Stevens Polka Band both days, traditional Polish food such as kielbasa and beer, artisan vendors and more.