Now entering its sixth year, the Roncesvalles Polish Festival brings a unique old-world charm to Roncesvalles Village, well known as one of Toronto’s most vibrant, diverse and creative neighbourhoods. Come and experience everything that Roncesvalles Village has to offer: rich Polish heritage, amazing art, music and culture, fabulous restaurants and unique, trendy shops. This years festival takes place on September 16th.

“We are expecting over 200,000 people this year,” said Andrew Chomentowski, Vice Chair of the Roncesvalles Village BIA. “Roncesvalles Avenue is the main street of the coolest neighbourhood in Toronto, home to a huge number of innovative entrepreneurs, merchants, artists, musicians and artisans. During the festival you’ll experience the street’s history and explore its trendy shops and restaurants.” Our festival, which is free, is a great destination for families. Roncesvalles Village is only minutes away from Lake Ontario and High Park. Best of all, it’s easy to get to by TTC.

Every year our Festival has become bigger and better. In 2011 event organizers expect to shatter the previous attendance records. People came out in record numbers in 2009.

Great music is paramount to the success of any festival, and this festival is no exception. There is something for just about every taste on the street. If you want to party, this is the place to be. “In addition to great performances by renowned local musicians who call Roncesvalles their home, you’ll enjoy music that you have never heard before,” added Chomentowski. “Imagine a polka band backed by the Supremes. That’s what you get with Freeze Dried from Chicago. Grammy-nominated Canadian musician John Gora will perform an eclectic mix of polka beats and New Orleans-inspired blues. Plus IPA Hall of Fame 2009 inductee Ed Guca from Toronto will be performing with Major Music. Listen to the music while enjoying a plate of delicious pierogis, a savory Polish sausage and a cool Tyskie in one our three beverage gardens OR sample the offerings from Roncesvalles Village’s many excellent restaurants. There’s a taste here for every palate.

Experience the beauty of the costumes, the elegance of the Polonais and the energy of the Krakowiak by taking in the Polish folk dancing sponsored by European Fine Foods Co. Inc. Performances will take place every 90 minutes on the Polish Credit Union stage. Also performing are Radosc Joy, young, enthusiastic and guaranteed to please.

Award-winning local musicians will grace our stages and fill the air with music of every sort. Buskers will entertain up and down the street.

At the neighbourhood cinema, the Revue, you can enjoy some of the finest cinema Poland has ever produced, the timeless Tricolor trilogy (Blue, White and Red) by renowned director Krzysztof Kieślowski.

So, when you take all these great attractions and talent, and put them in a great Toronto neighbourhood, you have a recipe for success. With unique independent shops and wonderfully diverse restaurants and cafés, and great local musicians, entertainers, artisans and craftspeople, this is sure to be an unforgettable weekend!

For more information, you can contact the Festival event management team at Maraca Canada at (905) 897-5099. You can reach the Roncesvalles Village BIA at (416) 537-2701 or email at ac.lavitsefhsilop@ofni.