Erie came alive with Polish pride this past weekend as steady crowds gathered for the Zabawa Polish Heritage Festival, a beloved community tradition that once again brought residents together to celebrate the city’s rich cultural roots.

According to the Erie Times-News, attendees turned out in strong numbers for the festival, keeping the spirit of Erie’s Polish heritage front and center. The Zabawa — a word that translates roughly to “fun” or “party” in Polish — lives up to its name each year by offering a festive atmosphere that draws families, longtime community members, and newcomers alike.

Erie has long been home to a vibrant Polish-American community, and events like the Zabawa serve as an important touchstone for preserving and sharing that heritage with younger generations. Festivals of this kind also bring a welcome boost to community connection, giving neighbors a chance to gather, enjoy traditional food and culture, and celebrate what makes Erie’s diverse neighborhoods so distinctive.

The SeaWolves also gave Erie fans something to cheer about this weekend, taking the series against the New Hampshire Fisher Cats with a Sunday victory, according to MLB.com. Erie’s Double-A affiliate came through when it counted, closing out the series on a winning note and keeping the energy high for fans at the ballpark.

Whether you spent the weekend soaking in Polish traditions at the Zabawa or cheering on the SeaWolves, Erie had plenty of reasons to celebrate. Events like these are a reminder of the community spirit that makes this city on Lake Erie such a special place to call home.

Sources: Erie Times-News, MLB.com