(BRONSON) – The 54th annual Bronson Polish Festival got off to a fine start Thursday evening.

The Opening Ceremonies and Kick Off were held at the St. Mary’s Church Gym. Part of the festivities included the naming of the 2024 Polish Festival Royal Court.

This year’s King is Gary Ratkowski and the Queen is Teri Kubasiak. The Prince is Carson Stevens and the Princess is Veronica Bir. The Jr. Prince is Porter Ludwick and Honorary Jr. Prince is his twin brother Wyatt Ludwick, while the Jr. Princess is Vada Miller.

Today’s activities include Polish food available at several locations, along with craft and food vendors in the downtown area.

Starting at 1 PM there will be free kids rides and games in the Bronson Library Parking Lot. At 2 PM in the Parking Lot, the Kids Pedal Pull will get under way.

You can get a turkey and Polish sausage dinner starting at 5 PM at the First Congregational Church. Then you can head over to play Bingo on U.S. 12 under the pavilion, or go to Greenwald Park for the Men’s Softball Tournament, which starts at 6 PM.

Over at Bronson High School at 6 PM there will be a chipped timed 5K race, 5K walk and kids fun run.

The Parking Lot Party starts at 7 PM behind Smitty’s Pizza, featuring the Funkles. There will be entertainment in the downstairs area at the American Legion. Then at dusk there’s going to be a fireworks display at Bronson High School.