Summer Starts Here!
St. Mary’s Polish Country Fair Stands as Traditional Start to Michigan Summer
Little did anyone know that what started as a mere fundraiser with cultural arts,
crafts, baked goods some forty (40) years ago, would one day become THE traditional
start to summer for Michiganders young and old alike. The Polish Country Fair, held
on the picturesque campus of St. Mary’s Prep overlooking Orchard Lake, now serves
as host for over 110,000 fun seekers each Memorial Day weekend.
With humble beginnings that stretched across twenty-seven card tables, six chairs
and two peach crates, the Polish Country Fair now delivers entertainment that stretches
across forty acres of one of Southeast Michigan’s finest all boys prep schools.
This legacy of family entertainment, which serves up midway rides, bands, dancing,
food and music, announces the coming of summer, bringing people from throughout
the Great Lakes Region to participate in what is currently the largest fair in the
Midwest.
Coupling tradition with a great outdoor atmosphere, the rides, the entertainment
and the Polish and American cuisines make it a perfect place to bring everyone from
toddlers and children to the great grandparents, literally providing something for
everyone at the Polish Country Fair. Nestled in the trees and overlooking the banks
of Orchard Lake, the Polish Country Fair delivers a clean, safe, and cordial carnival
set up noted for its rides, games, food, and fun for the whole family.
Hosted and sponsored by St. Mary’s Preparatory, the Fair serves as the single largest
single fundraiser for the legendary educational institutional. Its monies are used
to maintain and improve the 26 buildings that span three different centuries on
the 120-acre campus.
But don’t take our word for it. Listen to what our guests have to say:
I couldn’t imagine starting our family summer any other way than at the Polish Country Fair. It ahs been a tradition with the kids since they were little, and I am now watching them graduate form college. It’s not summer without a Saturday at the Fair..."
I've been coming to the Orchard Lake St. Mary's Country Fair for ten years and never miss it. It is a great time to spend with your family, enjoy outstanding local bands and eat some great food. The Polish Country Fair provides a friendly, clean and safe venue to bring your entire family. The Fair makes an ideal weekend "stay-cation" and one that your kids will always remember!
Went for the first time last year...PHENOMENAL! Have to admit, the Golomki were better than my 89 year old Polish Grandmother's...don't tell her I said that!! Loved the Polish Platter!! YUMMY FOOD!!
This is my seventh year working in the bakery at the fair and I can tell you it has been lots of fun. You will meet and get to know other St. Mary's parents you might not have met otherwise, you will meet lots of students you would not have met otherwise and everyone makes this an enjoyable opportunity to support the school. Every hour we put in as parents has a huge return for the school and for our sons. If you are worried it will be too hard, or not a good experience, come work with us in the bakery - we love it and always have a great time!