The Dozynki indoor procession from 2007 was led by Larry Szabo, accordianist with Toledo’s Glasstown Sound polka band, Father Paul Kwiatkowski, and Dania Gnida and Piotr Jakimczuk of the Echoes of Poland who present bread and salt, signifying the start of the Harvest meal. (Photo courtesy of Janet Gawle)

Presented by the Toledo-Poznan Alliance, this year’s Dozynki observance starts with Mass in the Queen of Peace Chapel at noon followed by a procession to the Franciscan Center Commons, with music accompaniment by Larry Szabo, accordianist with Toledo’s Glasstown Sound polka band.

The reception at the Franciscan Center begins at 1 p.m. and the Dozynki program begins at 2 p.m.

This year the Toledo-Poznan Alliance is honoring The Society of Christ Fathers, whose international provincial is located in Toledo’s sister city of Poznan, Poland; along with Society of Christ Father Richard Philiposki, pastor of St. Adalbert and St. Hedwig parishes in Toledo. Also to be honored is Peggy Grant, of 20 North Gallery in Toledo, for her support and promotion of Polish artists, especially her late husband, Adam Grant, whose work is now becoming recognized worldwide.

Entertainment is to be provided by Toledo’s Echoes of Poland Folk Song and Dance Ensemble, and pianist Irina Arbatskaya. The dinner menu includes traditional Polish harvest foods catered by Chef Robert Rosencrantz and the staff of Event Professionals.  

A raffle and silent auction are included in the afternoon’s activities. Among the auction items are a ceramic vase created by the nationally-renowned artist Joe Ann Cousino and an original pastel drawing by Adam Grant.

Co-chairs of Dozynki 2008 are Janet Gawle and Rob Szczublewski, hosts of The Melodies of Poland radio program. Proceeds from this annual event benefit the Dom Dziecka, an orphanage in Poznan, Poland.  

Advance paid reservations by Sept. 15 are $30 per person, general seating. Reservations paid later are $35 per person.

Event sponsorship is available for $100 and includes program recognition, two dinners and preferred seating. Reservations should be sent to Dozynki 2008, 243 E. Streicher, Toledo, OH 43608.