The constitution was tragically short-lived, overtaken by the partitions that erased Poland from the map of Europe. Yet its spirit endured. To this day, it stands as a symbol of democratic courage and the resilience that has defined the Polish people through centuries of hardship.

This year, as the United States celebrates 250 years of independence, Polish Constitution Day invites a moment of reflection on how deeply the histories of these two nations are intertwined — from the battlefields of the American Revolution, where Kościuszko and Pulaski fought alongside a people striving for freedom, to the ideals both nations continue to carry forward.

The Consulate General of the Republic of Poland marked the occasion with an organ concert at Holy Name Cathedral in Chicago, performed by Witold Zalewski — principal organist of the Wawel Royal Cathedral in Kraków — and his daughter Hanna Zalewska. The concert and the reception that followed were attended by invited guests and officials, including Poland’s Chargé d’affaires in Washington, D.C., Bogdan Klich. PACIM was represented by its president, Mietek T. Konczyk.

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Mosaic Festival is about more than what you see on stage. It is about sharing traditions, honoring heritage, tasting new flavors, supporting artisans, and coming together as a community.

Events like this remind us how powerful cultural exchange can be. Through music, dance, food, and conversation, we build bridges between communities and celebrate the rich diversity that makes Minnesota such a special place.

Thank you to Ethnic Dance Theatre for organizing this wonderful event and for creating a space where cultures can be shared, appreciated, and celebrated. We are grateful to have been part of such a meaningful day!

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The evening began with a cocktail hour featuring live guitar by Piotr Waszczuk, setting a warm and festive tone for the celebration. Guests then enjoyed fine dining, a lively performance by the Dolina Folk Dancers, wonderful conversations, and dancing late into the night.

A special moment of the evening was the presentation of the PACIM Award for Outstanding Service to the Polish American Community of Minnesota to Fr. Spencer Howe. The award recognizes his longstanding pastoral leadership at Holy Cross Catholic Church and his exceptional support of Polish American religious, cultural, and community life. Through his openness and personal engagement, Fr. Howe has helped foster a welcoming space where Polish traditions, language, and faith continue to thrive across generations. The award was accepted on his behalf by his mother, Janette Howe.

Our raffle added to the excitement, and we are delighted to share that the event was a tremendous success. Many of our guests have already expressed their intention to return for the 2027 Carnival Ball, which speaks volumes about the joyful and memorable experience we shared together.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who attended and helped make the evening so special. We are deeply grateful to all those who contributed their time, energy, and creativity to planning, organizing, and bringing this event to life—your dedication truly made the night shine.

We look forward to celebrating together again next year for another unforgettable evening!

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PACIM was represented by its president, Mietek T. Konczyk, who, on behalf of the Polish-American community of Minnesota, invited Consul Jurkowska to visit Minneapolis–St. Paul next year. The invitation was accepted.

Photos by Mietek T. Konczyk and courtesy of the Consulate General of RP in Chicago

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PACIM extends its gratitude to the Consulate General of the Republic of Poland in Chicago for sponsoring the event and to the Ukrainian American Community Center in Minneapolis for helping to publicize it.

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In the morning, we were worried—rain was pouring down, and we weren’t sure if anyone would show up to the picnic. But by noon the skies cleared, and to our joy, people kept coming…and coming! The turnout was bigger than we ever expected.

There was something for everyone: delicious Polish dishes, lively folk music, dancers in colorful traditional costumes from across Poland, Polish sweets and preserves to take home, and a chance to learn about our schools, churches, and community groups. Best of all, it was a wonderful opportunity to reconnect—many people met friends they hadn’t seen in years.

Huset Park turned out to be the perfect setting. The wide lawns gave plenty of space to sit, relax, and enjoy a meal or a drink. Kids splashed and played in the water park while adults tried Polish dishes, sweets, and non-alcoholic beers.

We heard so many kind words throughout the day. Many people told us how much they’ve missed the Twin Cities Polish Festival and how happy they were to once again celebrate Polish culture together—even if on a smaller scale.

See photos from the event here: https://photos.app.goo.gl/hKmxUsRVrLD7pXU77

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PACIM t-shirts printed by www.ooshirts.com

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The play was well received by an audience that included both children and adults. After the performance, PACIM hosted a low-key reception, during which members of the Polish community had the opportunity to speak with the actors and visiting officials from IPN, as well as socialize with one another. This event also marked the first time PACIM welcomed its members to its new office at Landmark.

PACIM extends heartfelt thanks to the producers, the actors, and our partners at IPN for bringing this meaningful story to life. We also thank the audience—both children and adults—for joining us, and everyone who helped organize the event and make it a success. Your support and participation made this a truly memorable occasion.

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