Ostatki: Karnival With An Upscale Flair
Renowned 16th Polish Vodka – Tasting Carnival Celebration Returns
Youngstown, OH—The raucous annual revelry of Carnival in Brazil and Mardi Gras in New Orleans are legendary and widely imitated. However, lesser-known celebrations have taken place for generations in other parts of the world, particularly in those countries where Christian traditions have made the 40 days before Easter a time of extreme sacrifice and solemnity.
Poland is one of those countries, so PolishYoungstown invites others to join them in the fun as they host OSTATKI 2025: A Polish Carnival Celebration! It is the famous Polish vodka-tasting Mardi Gras + Carnival celebration, all rolled into one with an upscale flair! It will take place on Saturday, February 28, 2025, at 6:00 PM at the Youngstown Country Club. Ticket prices are $85 pp and are available online at eventbrite.org. Proceeds to benefit PolishYoungstown’s ongoing cultural activities and programming.
“We are excited that our favorite pre-Lenten celebration can be experienced by everyone in the Valley’s most elegant venue,” says Aundréa Cika Heschmeyer, Director of PolishYoungstown. “The YCC is the region’s historic and premiere location, and we are excited to bring a little Polish style there for the evening.”
Guests will embark on a cultural journey across Poland with a vodka-tasting passport, allowing them to sample a variety of imported Polish vodkas, beers, and liquors. The evening begins with an elaborate Polish appetizer buffet and continues with an elegant dinner prepared by the Youngstown Country Club’s culinary team.
The entertainment will be equally spectacular, with the return of renowned Mazowsze performer Radek Fizek, whose mesmerizing violin, vocals, and DJ skills promise to captivate the audience. Chardon Polka Band accordionist Bobby Buzecan joins him, who will mingle with guests, lead the Pączki Parade, and add his energetic flair to the celebration.
Throughout the evening, guests can enjoy trivia meet-and-greets, bead contests, elegant basket raffles, and engaging games. The festivities culminate in the presentation of the celebratory pączki, featuring a hidden surprise for one lucky winner!
Translated as “the last,” Ostatki marks the final celebration before the solemn season of Lent. “This is a big event back in the villages where my ancestors came from in Poland,” Heschmeyer explained. “We wanted to recreate the spirit of those traditions so Valley residents can experience a truly authentic Polish Carnival right here in Youngstown.”
About Polish Karnawał Polish Carnival celebrations begin earlier than in the United States, starting on Tłusty Czwartek (Fat Thursday), the Thursday before Ash Wednesday. This day is marked by the indulgence of pączki, Polish doughnuts traditionally made to use up lard, sugar, eggs, and fruit before the Lenten season. The celebrations continue until Śledziówka (Herring Day), the day before Ash Wednesday, which features feasts of herring, vodka, and dancing to mark the last night of revelry before Lent.
Event sponsors include Simply Slavic, Krakus Polish Deli & Bakery, Sip & Pinch Pierogi Parties, The Casual Pint, and MARQUEE Creatives.
