Toast of the Town … Polish Art Center ushers in the holiday spirit

By Charles Sercombe
The spirit of the holiday season officially found its way to town last Saturday.
That’s when the Polish Art Center hosted a holiday open house at both the Historical Museum and the Polish Art Center itself, which is handy since they are next-door neighbors.
At the museum, patrons snacked on a meat-and-cheese platter prepared by Hamtramck’s own Srodek’s Sausage, and they could also sample beer provided by Hamtramck’s own Florian Brewery (for a few shekels, of course).
There was even some holiday music in the air, thanks to an older fellow plucking a harp.
Popping in here and there for visits was ol’ St. Nicholas himself, who insisted that he was not that “Santa” fellow. Hmmmm, we were caught unawares of this “rivalry.”
When not noshing on snacks or downing a beer (or two), visitors rambled around the museum’s expansive main floor to take in a truly amazing collection of artifacts from Hamtramck’s rich cultural history.
At the Polish Art Center, it was likewise a feast for the eyes, with everything to do with Poland and Polish heritage. As in years past, the store hung hundreds of hand-folded, cone-shaped ornaments that took one of the store’s employees months to create.
(Give that person a special holiday bonus.)
What caught our eye on the way out, in a display case, was a book about one of our favorite foods: pierogi. The name of the book, specifically, enticed us: “Pierogi Love.”
Ah, yes, we know that special love well.
Speaking of the holiday season: Need to get some stocking stuffers?
Look no further than this Saturday’s (Dec. 14) Winter Night Bazaar at Pope Park, featuring “gifts, local crafts, warm drinks, and a big heated tent.”
The event, which goes from 4 to 9 p.m., is sponsored by the Downtown Development Authority’s Discover Hamtramck.
Check it out — and support local artists.

When it comes to good food and great times, Hamtramck has plenty to offer. In this column, we’ll talk about what’s happening at our bars, restaurants and at other events throughout the city.

Posted Dec. 13, 2024