PolishYoungstown’s pre-Lenten celebration returns to Youngstown Country Club
For Valentine’s Day, unwind alongside a local organization dedicated to celebrating Polish culture, food and traditions who are hosting Ostatki 2026: A Polish Carnival Celebration.
Ostatki is back at 6 p.m. on Feb. 14 at the Youngtsown Country Club, organized by PolishYoungstown.
Aundréa Cika Heschmeyer, director of PolishYoungstown, is inviting community members for a vodka-tasting experience and live musical performance at the country club.
“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 premier location, and we are excited to bring a little Polish style there for the evening.”
Ostatki translates to “the last;” it refers to the last six days of celebration between Fat Thursday and Shrove Tuesday in anticipation of the Lenten season and Easter.
The evening begins with a Polish appetizer and continues with a dinner prepared by the Youngstown Country Club’s culinary team.
Guests will get vodka-tasting passports to sample a variety of imported Polish vodkas, beers and liquors.
For the first time, there will be live music provided by Leather & Lace, who will also lead the Pączki parade.
Entertainment throughout the night includes trivia, meet-and-greets, bead contests, games and basket raffles.
Ostatki ends with the presentation of the celebratory pączki, which is a filled Polish pastry, featuring a hidden surprise for one lucky winner.
Proceeds from Ostatki will benefit PolishYoungstown’s ongoing cultural activities and programming.
“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.”
Tickets are $85 per person and available to purchase online or at Krakus Polish Deli & Bakery a t7050 Market St. in Boardman.
Event sponsors include Simply Slavic, Krakus Polish Deli & Bakery, Sip & Pinch Pierogi Parties, and MARQUEE Creatives.
