- March 28, 2024
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Come one, come all to this weekend's free cultural-diversity festival, in Palm Coast.
BY WAYNE GRANT | STAFF WRITER
They may dress funny, but Ormond Beach's Stanley and Ela Ziemlinski are all about tradition.
The couple will be donning their native country of Poland's traditional garb at Saturday's International Food and Wine Festival, in Palm Coast, to present on Polish heritage and perform Polish dances.
Flamboyant dancing will just be one of the highlights at the free festival, though, set for noon to 8 p.m. at Central Park in Town Center, 975 Central Ave. Ethnic cuisine, wines, beers, music, cultural displays and entertainment will also be available.
Since coming to America in 1981, Stanley Ziemlinski says that he has been involved with the Polish organization. He's in it to keep Polish culture and traditions alive in foreign countries, he says.
When he lived in Poland, he was a member of a dance group that represented his city in national and international events.
His wife Ela was a figure skater in Poland and she later became a teacher after moving here. The Ziemlinskis moved to this area two years ago and immediately became active with local organizations, including the Polonia Society of Korona.
“Our goal is to continue teaching new generations of Poles our culture and traditions,” Ziemlinski said. At the International Food and Wine Festival, the couple will be dressed in “Krakowski” national folk costumes.
Poland will also be represented by Palm Coast resident Janina Gomolka, 84, who will dance in costume, as well.
Gomolka was sent to Siberia from Poland in 1940, at the age of 10, when Germany and Russia divided Poland, she said. In 1941, she was allowed to travel to India.
When she was 17, Benedine nuns in Redding, Pa., sponsored 50 teenage girls including her to come to the U.S. She came alone because her father had died in Siberia and her mother remained in India.
She helped the nuns with the young children in the orphanage and later attended Chestnut Hill College in Philadelphia, majoring in elementary education. She raised four children and has been widowed twice.
In 1948, she was able to sponsor her mother and siblings and bring them to America.
Gomolka said she loves this area because of the large Polish population. She is also very active in the Polonia Society. At the International Food & Wine Festival, she will wear her folk costume from the Krako region.
Exhibitors at the festival include the Afro-American Caribbean Heritage Organization, the African American Cultural Society, the Italian American Club and the United Caribbean Club.
Event wine glasses will be available for $5 each. With the purchase of a wine glass, adults will receive a coupon for a free three-ounce glass of wine. A full bar will be available.
Main stage entertainment
Noon — DJ Vern Festival Kickoff
12:15, 1:15, and 2:15 p.m.— Dennis Fermin Spanish Guitar and Flamenco Dancer
12:45, 1:45, 5 and 6:15 p.m.— Quite a Catch Juggling
3:15, 4:45, and 6 p.m.— Ancient City Pipes
3:35 and 6:30 p.m.— Polonia Society of Korona
4 to 4:45 p.m.— Palm Coast Community Band
6:45 p.m.— Enchanted Caravan Belly Dance Troupe
7:30 p.m.— Matanzas High School Steel Band