The Dyngus Day Parade may kick off today but the party kicked off Sunday night in the heartland of modern Polonia, Cheektowaga, where hundreds celebrated at the VFW Leonard Post on Walden Avenue.
When the VFW adds up the ticket sales from the pre-party, Corporation Secretary David Przipiora says the total sales should hit 500 and they will all be back Monday night with even more people. He says the event is a big fundraiser for the veterans group.
The event offered two polka bands and many people wearing red and white as those from the very youngest to the more senior hit the dance floor.
"Cheektowaga's been Polonia for a long time, ever since World War II," Przipiora said.
"My family's lived in Cheektowaga since 1898. We've been here over 100 years."
One of the polka bands, Buffalo Concertina All Stars, goes back to the old Polonia Monday night for a party in historic Saint Stanislaus Church.
