Grand Rapids’ Pulaski Days Canceled Due to Pandemic

Another big West Michigan vent won't happen this year due to COVID-19.

Wood TV 8 reports that for the first time since its inception in 1973, Pulaski Days in Grand Rapids is canceled. The festival, which includes a parade and other events, and invites people in to eat and drink at the 14 Polish halls around Grand Rapids, was supposed to happen Oct. 2-4.

Michelle Kershner, the chairwoman for Pulaski Days, tells Wood TV 8,

It’s so misfortunate. We have really agonized over this decision and tried so hard and find a way. Last year we drew in over 300,000 people. How do you bring in 300,000 people and keep everyone safe?

With the halls' big fundraiser off in 2020, Kershner says some are in danger of closing:

At risk is clubs closing and the possibility of clubs shutting their doors because they have a huge challenge of paying taxes … taking care of everything they need to keep the club running while the doors are locked tight.

The Pulaski Days committee is asking for the public's support. If you'd like to help out, Polish pins and shields are for sale at local businesses like Sobie Meats and Lewandowski Meats.

They've also started a Save the Halls fund. You can donate online at online at the Pulaski Days Committee website. All of the funds collected will be split evenly between the 14 Polish halls.