Swietojanki in Chicago

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Members of the Legion of Young Polish Women in traditional dress at the Swietojanki festival in 1985.

Transported to Chicago, the Swietojanki festival became a favorite summer time event.

Money was raised through selling food—from Polish bigos to American hot dogs—and beverages at the event and there was often a raffle as well. Legion members, some in traditional Polish dress and others in their everyday clothes, mingled with the guests. The highlights of each festival were the performances by costumed adult or student dance troupes as well as the wreath floating ceremony.