BRONSON, MI (WTVB) – Thursday’s opening ceremonies of the 50th Annual Bronson Polish Festival were memorable in more ways than one.
It started with longtime festival volunteer Gary Nettleman joining with the Bronson High School A Cappella Choir in the singing of the American and Polish National Anthems. It continued with Bronson native Randy Albright returning to his hometown to perform his songs “Bronson Michigan Polka” and “Gilead Lake Polka Party.” And it wrapped up with John Wielgos and Candy Cox being crowned Festival King and Queen.
The first thing Wielgos said after he made his way to the stage at the St. Mary’s gym: “I just want to know who voted for me, that’s what I want to know!”
Cox, the Festival Council President, was backstage when her name was announced. She was shocked that her family and fellow Festival Council members were able to keep her recogition a secret. She added, “My mom would be so proud, and I know she’s looking down on me.”
Brendan Withington and Emily Rissman were named Festival Prince and Princess, while the Junior Prince and Princess were Luke Bir and Kayleigh Sikorski.
Highlights Friday include Kids Day activities at Douglas Park from 10am-noon with a kid’s pedal tractor pull at 1:00 p.m. in the library parking lot, a kielbasa eating contest for adults and pierogi toss for kids at 5:00 p.m., and a performance from local favorites Dani and Garrett Jamerson at 6:00 p.m. at the big tent downtown.
