Monday is Dyngus Day, the traditional Polish holiday celebrating the end of Lent. In South Bend, that usually means Polish food and political speeches, but the COVID-19 pandemic has altered the holiday for the second year in a row.
Polish sausage, sweet-and-sour cabbage and Kluski noodles are still on the menu at the West Side Democratic and Civic Club in South Bend. But, the ongoing pandemic means you have to order ahead and pick your food up via drive-through.
Club President Timothy Hudak said after cancelling Dyngus Day entirely last year, being even partially back is good for business.
“Dyngus Day is a big fundraiser for us, so without that, I couldn’t survive two in a row like this,” Hudak said.
The holiday has also traditionally been a big political event in South Bend – in the past, Bobby Kennedy and Bill Clinton have visited on Dyngus Day, and the Westside Democratic Club usually hosts a lineup of speeches from local political candidates, especially in election years.
Hudak said he hopes Dyngus Day will be completely back to normal next year. For now, the club is offering drive-through pickup until 2 p.m. Monday, or until food runs out.
Contact Gemma atgdicarlo@wvpe.orgor follow her on Twitter at@gemma_dicarlo.
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