City Loves Festivals
By Robin Vinci | Editor at April 2, 2024 | 6:30 pm | Print
Residents of New Britain all seem to agree the festivals and celebrations the City holds are very successful.
This week in the New Britain City Journal Facebook Group members were asked, “What is your Favorite city celebration ever & why?”
Answers varied, but for many different reasons.
“Dozynki because it is steeped in tradition and reflects positively on the cultural and religious history of Poland,” said Joseph Woszczyna.
Jodi Rybczynski said the Christmas house on Lexington St.
“With leaping folkdancers, live bands, food & beer, shopping, carnival rides, and costumed mascots, I have to say that the Little Poland Festival is my favorite annual event,” said Adrian Baron. “It celebrates the turnaround of a New Britain neighborhood, gets great press for New Britain and involves businesses from across the city including downtown.”
“I just love the Great American Boom,” said Mary Blasko Filintarakis. “I think NB has the best fireworks display. It’s fun to just sit on a blanket with some food and family while listening to the music, people watch and just chat with family members Then…BOOM!!”
“As a child, I loved the Memorial Day parade,” said Wanda Konieczna Urquhart “watching it from the corner of Broad St. and Gold St.”
“I think the Rose Garden was a huge hit last year and I hope it becomes an annual event,” said Marion Pruzan Fischbein. “There are many wonderful family activities out and about the city. It was nice to have an adult only, outdoor event.”
“The New Britain City Journal/Downtown District Halloween Trick or Treat Safe Zone,” said Gerry Amodio, downtown district director. “Thousands of kids and their parents wandering the streets of Downtown, City merchants and municipal departments giving candy out.”
“This City has outdone itself last year in the events it hosted. My favorite ones actually were: Oktoberfest for the great food, beer, and it was a way to bring a lot of people together. Halloween was just awesome for the kids to have a safe place to go trick or treating, and at the same time have some fun doing it. Great American Boom was just a superb firework display, Main St USA was just a great event in support of all local businesses, but the Downtown Car Show was hands down my favorite of all,” said Peter Ceglarz. “Being a Car Guru it was great to see the old school, new school, modified, and custom cars that rolled through the streets and that received awards for many different categories. I hope that the City continues to have these events and just gets larger each year.”
“Oktoberfest. Not being a drinker, my “buzz” comes from the music,” said Jacqueline Lux “Ticket to Ride, Ray of Elvis, and the Eagles tribute were all great! (even in the rain).”
With all those great events, there was still one event that stood out to residents above all the rest.
“Main St USA was the best,” said Grace Dunham Markiewicz.
“Main Street USA. Such a great weekend of activities downtown,” said Miriam Geraci. “Not only were you able to meet and support local business owners, but there was always such a sense of community and pride.”
“I loved Main St. USA. It always made me feel proud of New Britain and how all the volunteers would come together,” Ramona Kubilius Anderson. “The multiple church booths with loads of ethnic food, the youth performances, the crafts. I really felt it represented the city in its best light.”
Residents are encouraged to join “The New Britain City Journal” Facebook group and answer questions about the City each month.
