NORTH TONAWANDA, N.Y. (WKBW) — Festivities for Dygnus Day stretched all across Western New York on Monday.
In North Tonawanda, the Polish community showed up and showed out for their 3rd Annual Dyngus Day parade and post party which was said to be bigger and better than ever.
The parade took place on Oliver Street and Keil Street. Many who attended said there is a lot to love about Dyngus Day and this was the best place to celebrate it.
"We had people squirting water cannons at us and we were squirting back and everything," said Gary Annis, who participated in the parade. "Everyone was having a great time."
"Breaking the fasting that we did all during Lent and being able to celebrate again," said Jeanette Bartczak, who we spoke to as the parade was ending.
"They're celebrating and they bring their children around getting them involved in a good Polish holiday," said Larry Soos, at the after party.
"My favorite part about Dyngus Day is celebrating my Polish heritage and hitting the people I love with pussy willows," said Tara Johnson, as she cheered with her twin sister Emma standing beside her.
Members of the North Tonawanda neighborhood watch said they were thrilled to bring the parade back to the historic first ward. But this year, the party isn't stopping there.
"Now we're here at the after party at the North Tonawanda farmers market," said Joe Marranca, said North Tonawanda Alderman At-Large & Member of the Planning Committee. "We've got Captain Tom and the Hooligans playing and everyone's having a good time."
This year's parade and post-party were free and with the polka band, ice-cold beer, good eats, and sunshine all around, this wasn't a day many people missed.
"Well last year we had the party at a different venue, we had almost double as many participants than we did last year," said Marranca.
"The crowds on the parades, I would guess that this has probably increased at least 100 to 200 times over the last (year), because of the weather," said Annis. "The weather is just excellent. Where can you get this in April."
They had all the perfect ingredients to make this a Dyngus Day to remember.
"We just love that it's a fun time to spend time with family, go out, go to the parade, drink, and just really get down to the Polish heritage."
