An Evening Paying Tribute To Thaddeus Kosciuzko
WARSAW — A handful of tents lined Center and Buffalo streets for the March First Friday event, an evening paying tribute to Thaddeus Kosciuzko and the kickoff of First Fridays following the theme of “A Decade Of Change.” First Friday evenings between now and October will celebrate various time periods throughout the past decade in celebration of the state’s 200th birthday.
Tonight’s celebration had a Polish theme to pay tribute to Kosciuzko, the namesake of the county. Polish music played throughout the downtown area with groups of individuals dancing around the campfire and a few people learning dance steps.
The Old Jail Museum was open for the evening for visitors to stop in and learn more about Kosciuzko and other historical information on the county.
Citizens were given the first glimpse of the city’s new side loading garbage truck, complete with four photographs depicting activities in the city on each side. The new trash containers were also displayed and residents who have not done so could sign up and ask questions.
Among the First Friday visitors was Waclaw “Adam” Adamczyk, a native of Poland who has lived in Warsaw since the early 1980s. He is reportedly one of six Poland natives residing in Warsaw and has used his heritage to help translate letters and communicate with visitors.
A pirogi toss contest was won by Hayden Beery and Brandon Estepp won the pirogi eating contest, eating nine cheese and potato stuffed pirogis in 2 minutes. Each contestant was given a package of 10 pirogis.
Participants also had the opportunity to purchase wristbands to visit a number of local businesses in the Polk Along and try various Polish food and beverage items.
- The new city garbage truck displays photos of the city of Warsaw. The truck will be at each First Friday for the next several months.
- Both sides of the new city garbage trucks display photos of activities in the city.
- One of the new 96 gallon trash cans with how much trash it would hold.
- Makai Mccaskill and Aaliya Harris during the pirogi eating contest.
- Jewell Arrowood, Nathan Beery, Hayden Beery and Evan McKinley await the pirogi for the pirogi toss. Paula Bowen, center, handed out the pirogis.
- The Kosciusko Historical Society displays information on the county’s namesake
- Melanie, Hallie Evelyn and Anna Lisa Hertzler enjoy coloring photos at the historical society’s tent.
- Warsaw Mayor Joe Thallemer poses for a photo with Waclaw ‘Adam’ Adamczyk, a native of Poland.
- Brandon Estepp was the winner of the pirogi eating contest, eating nine pirogis