![Polish Culture An Important Influence On Utica’s History](http://townsquare.media/site/39/files/2013/03/Fritzs-Polka-Band-Pulaski-Market.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Polish Culture An Important Influence On Utica’s History
Having spent several of my "wonder years " growing up in West Utica I was well aware of its Polish influences. I played Little League baseball in the PLAV (Polish Legion of American Veterans), lived two doors down from the Pulaski Meat Market , grocery shopped at Tolpa's Dairy and had a paper route rife with customers of Polish extraction. Polish food and culture were apparent everywhere. With Culture Fest-A Festival of Nations-right around the corner let's take a look at the area's Polish influences.
Still today Polish culture is a significant part of Utica and the surrounding area's ethnic fabric. Here are some examples.
--Utica's North-South Arterial is officially "The Casimir Pulaski Highway".
--Hapanowitz Brothers Meat Market in New York Mills and the aforementioned Pulaski Meat Market in West Utica still feature such Polish favorites as kielbasa, pierogi and golobki
--Polka bands, such as Tony's Polka Band are a regular feature at summer concert venues in village parks
--"Polanaise" with Julian Noga, America's longest running Polish language and music program is heard every Sunday morning on WIBX.
--The Polish Community Club in Utica is still active with numerous events and observations.
There is more to be learned about Polish culture and heritage through a wonderful book by Utica author Malio Cardarelli entitled "West Utica".
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