Mardi Gras in Mahoning Valley? See what’s going down at this year’s Ostatki celebration
PolishYoungstown is bringing the fun of New Orleans’ Carnival celebrations to the Youngstown Country Club for Ostatki.
This Polish pre-Lenten celebration starts at 6 p.m. Feb. 28 with an imported alcohol guided tasting paired with appetizers, according to Aundréa Cika Heschmeyer, director of PolishYoungstown.
“This event ties back to our family; it ties the generations together,” Heschmeyer said.
Guest can peruse different tables set up around the room featuring varieties of imported alcohol chosen for their significance to Polish history, including potato, wheat and pollen.
“They have particular drinks to help when you have an upset stomach,” Heschmyer said. “One of the drinks I’ve had is the bison grass vodka, which is from my people’s part of Poland. It’s known for having this particular grass from the bison forest.”
In addition to drinks and appetizers, Heschmeyer said there will be Carnival bead contests, basket raffles and games. Listen to live music performed by Radoslaw “Radek” Fizek and the accordionist for the Chardon Polka Band, Bobby Buzecan.
The Youngstown Country Club’s culinary team will serve dinner, and at the end, guests will get to see the celebratory pączki and pączki parade.
“We are excited that our favorite pre-Lenten celebration can be experienced by everyone in the Valley’s most elegant venue,” she said. “The Youngstown Country Club is the region’s historic and premiere location, and we are excited to bring a little Polish style there for the evening.”
Tickets are $85 and can be purchased online. Proceeds go to benefit PolishYoungstown’s ongoing cultural activities and programming.
What does Ostatki mean?
When it’s translated, Ostatki means “the last” in Polish. Ostatki marks the final celebration before the solemn season of Lent.
Heschmeyer explained that during Lent, there is traditionally a 40-day fast, so the celebration is the season’s last hurrah.
“This is a big event back in the villages where my ancestors came from in Poland,” Heschmeyer said. “We wanted to recreate the spirit of those traditions so Valley residents can experience a truly authentic Polish Carnival right here in Youngstown.”
