Ss. Mary and Martha Parish will hold its annual Polish Picnic June 23 from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m. on the grounds of St. Hyacinth Church, which is located at 61 Pulaski St. in Auburn.
St. Hyacinth Parish began holding the picnic 112 years ago, noted picnic organizer Dave Lipiska. St. Hyacinth merged with neighboring St. Francis of Assisi Parish last year to form Ss. Mary and Martha, but the new parish has carried on the tradition, which is a major fundraiser for the parish, Lipiska said.
"It draws over 2,000 people each year," he said.
Quite a few people from Auburn attend the annual picnic, but Lipiska said the parish would like to extend an invitation to people in other parts of Cayuga County and the Diocese of Rochester in general.
The festival includes Polish and American food, Polish music and large area with activities for children, including pony rides and a bounce house. Representatives from the Cayuga County Sheriff’s Office also will be on hand to help parents create identity cards for their children through Operation Safe Child.
For the past seven years a car raffle has been a highlight of the picnic, Lipiska added. This year the winner of the raffle will be able to choose either a 2013 Chevrolet Cruze, a 2013 Ford Focus, a 2013 Dodge Dart or $7,777.77 in cash. Tickets may be purchased for $100 apiece by contacting Lipiska at 315-729-8336.
