Now that the party is over, festival organizers ponder next year

Hamtramck Labor Day Festival organizers, Shannon Lowell (L) and Konrad Mazairz, are once again taking a deep breath and deciding what to do about next year’s festival. They have been the key organizers for over 10 years. Dozens of volunteers have also contributed to make the festival successful year after year.

By Charles Sercombe
Every year after the Hamtramck Labor Day Festival ends, a key question lingers in the air once the music stops and all the pierogis (yes, we know pierogi is already plural) are gobbled up.
And that is: Will there be another festival next year?
For the past 10 years, maybe more, Konrad Maziarz and Shannon Lowell, who are unpaid volunteers, have been the key organizers of the event. But even they can’t remember how long they’ve helmed it.
Every year, they take a deep breath and ponder whether to turn the reins over to someone else.
Maziarz told The Review: “Honest answer, not sure.”
He continued: “I keep wavering on whether to come back or not. On the bright side, we are having conversations regarding changes and improvements for next year.”
Hmmmm, sounds like he’s intending to be involved there somewhere.
This year’s festival was universally praised as the “best ever,” but then again, we hear that almost every year.
Maziarz and Lowell each posted this message on Facebook, thanking all who helped make the festival happen:
“The Hamtramck Labor Day Festival came and went, bringing excitement, joy, and smiles to many people’s faces. It is a huge task and commitment to put on each year, a commitment that a handful of volunteers agree to, and although there are struggles at times, we somehow pull it off in the end.
“These dedicated volunteers, who donate their time, patience, and bodies to ensure this festival continues, are truly great and remarkable people, and words cannot express our gratitude to all of you for what you do.
“We want to take this opportunity to thank the committee members for their dedication and commitment (to) making the Hamtramck Labor Day Festival happen. You outdid yourselves, creating yet another incredible festival.
“We know full well how much work goes into each committee. These are by no means simple tasks, but rather huge responsibilities as this event grows in its complexity.
“This event consumes a great deal of all of our time, requires huge effort, and a lot of patience, and in return gives us great satisfaction, and you all graciously volunteered for this effort. …
“This year’s festival is considered by many to be one of The Best in years. …”
In the meantime, the city council, at Monday’s council meeting, gave a shout-out to Maziarz, Lowell and the many volunteers in the form of a proclamation of thanks.
It read, in part:
“In recent years, the Labor Day Festival has been thoughtfully planned and successfully executed by Konrad Maziarz and Shannon Lowell, along with a group of dedicated volunteers, whose tireless efforts and commitment have made the event a resounding success …
“The City of Hamtramck extends its deepest gratitude and appreciation to Konrad Maziarz, Shannon Lowell, and the entire team of volunteers for their hard work, passion, and dedication in organizing the Labor Day Festival.
“Their commitment has helped preserve and elevate this beloved tradition, ensuring it continues to thrive for future generations.”
Still in a party mood? While there is nothing of note happening in Hamtramck, there are still plenty of Oktoberfests coming up around the metro area.
Hamtramck tried hosting one years ago, but it turned out to be a flop, financially-speaking.
Anyone out there want to tackle a challenge?
Posted Sept. 13, 2024