GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — On the same weekend that Pulaski Days are typically held by Polish halls throughout the city, the 6th Street Hall will be hosting a 125th anniversary celebration in their parking lot.
Like so many others, the Polish halls across Grand Rapids have been struggling through the pandemic.
“The community likes to come together in times of hardship, and this time you're told to stay away from each other,” said Linda Connor, vice president of the 6th Street Hall.
"It's hard to describe."
Connor says their particular hall has lost about a dozen members over the last few months. "Not to COVID, but through some other form of death,” she told FOX 17 Thrusday afternoon.
And the hall itself has racked up a number of badly needed repairs.
“From plumbing to roof leaks to flooring problems to air conditioning problems, gas leaks, water leaks... I mean, it's just been a nightmare,” she said.
They have had to remain closed for almost the entirety of the pandemic, losing basically all of their income.
“It doesn't sound like a lot to some companies, but for us, it's at least $40,000 that we lost,” Connor said.
But this weekend, when Polish halls across the city would typically celebrate Pulaski Days, the 6th Street Hall will be holding a large outdoor celebration. It will be open to members and the general public.
"This club is 125 years old and we were going to have a big bash."
They have been planning the anniversary for months now, and are still going to make the most of the major milestone.
So tents are going up, food is being prepared and shirts being packaged.
“We're not gonna go crazy doing things we're not supposed to do, but I know that people just want to be able to feel some semblance of normalcy,” Connor said.
“We're excited to finally be able to congregate and feed them some good food and let them listen to some music and let them hang out with each other and let the community wake up.”
You can find more information about this weekend's celebrations at the 6th Street Hall's Facebook page.
**Other Polish Hall events this weekend in Grand Rapids**
- The Jackson Street Hall is hosting a fundraiser Saturday serving combo plates.
- There is also a celebration planned for this weekend at the Diamond Ave Hall.
- The Eastern Avenue Hall is planning on serving Polish food and beer this weekend as well.
- Falcon Fest 2020 will be happening from September 30 until October 4 at Polish Falcons on Fulton Street.
- The Pulaski Days website also has an extensive list of locations hosting events this weekend
