Dyngus Day celebrations are kicking into high gear Monday as many Western New Yorkers are celebrating the end of the Lenten season by honoring the Polish tradition. WBFO's Eileen Buckley attended the "world's shortest" Dyngus Day Parade in Lackawanna.
Celebrations actually started quietly with a Mass inside Our Lady of Victory Basilica.
Then the processional filed out of the church onto Ridge Road joining a fire truck and other marchers for about a half a block in front of Lackawanna City Hall.
But the small parade featured some big politicians, including Rep. Brian Higgins, State Assemblyman Michael Kearns and Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul.
Hochul is serving as acting governor while Cuomo is on a short Caribbean vacation. She had a little fun officiating while appearing at the Lackawanna parade.
"Well I sent out a tweet yesterday talking about how I would like to make Dyngus Day the official state parade," said Hochul. "It was fun for me to come to Lackawanna today. That was my big contribution to culture in Buffalo -- declaring this the official state parade."
Lackawanna Mayor Geoffrey Szymanski proudly hosted what he said is the world's shortest Dyngus Day Parade.
Lackawanna Mayor Geoffrey Szymanski proudly hosted what he says is the 'world's shortest' Dyngus Day Parade.
Credit WBFO News photo by Eileen Buckley
"It's a great day. It's a great a debt of honor of Polish-Americans throughout this whole area," said Syzmanski.
Many wore the color red to honor the polish heritage and pussy willows were handed out for some fun.
"Chasing the guys -- right?" "She's going to get that guy tonight with it!" said two women enjoying the start of their Dyngus Day in Lackawanna.
It seemed everyone said they were feeling a little Polish for the day.
