Mr. Pierogi

Some say the Fest has produced its own cultural icon with Mr. Pierogi® (pronounced “pi-ROH-gee). in 2023 the baton, or should we say rolling pin?, was passed to a new Mr. Pierogi. Have no fear, Mr. Pierogi still loves mingling with the crowd, taking selfies, flirting with the buscias, and high-fiving kids. He’s the ambassador of Old World goodwill. He hates being asked if he is hot, because even though Pierogi Fest® takes place in the July heat, it’s still not nearly as hot as his frying pan. Other than that, catch him if you can; he’s like a doughy ninja.

Miss Paczki

Miss Paczki (pronounced “POONCH-key”) is the vivacious pastry with Lady Godiva-like hair and ruby-red shoes. Charm (and jelly) just ooze from her presence. Our sphere-shaped, deep-fried, dough sweetheart with jelly filling and powdered sugar, she is happiness personified. Our current Miss Paczki started out as a member of the Pieroguettes, and graduated to her new sticky-sweet role in the Pierogi Fest family in 2023!

The Buscias

The word “buscia” (pronounced “BOO-sha”) means grandmother. Our busicias pay homage to the women who taught us how to make pierogi when we were young whippersnappers. You’ll find them spreading joy around the fest in their housecoats and stockings (most likely falling down) happy to give a lipstick souvenir. Ask nicely and they may share the handkerchief they most likely have stuffed up their sleeve or a root beer candy hidden in their purse.

Halupki Guy

The Halupki Guy (pronounced “ha-LOOP-key”) is known by several names across the world. Some call him Galumpki, some call him Pigs in a Blanket and some simply call him Stuffed Cabbage. Halupki Guy is the Yin to Mr. Pierogi’s Yang. The Tubbs to his Crockett. The Slater to his Zack Morris. The Milhouse to his Bart. The Ron to his---you get the picture. He’s rightfully earned his sidekick status and keeps the party fresh and not too serious.

The Pieroguettes

While New York City has the Rockettes, Whiting has the Pieroguettes. The girls have been around since the beginning and are Mr. Pierogi's entourage. There are eleven Pieroguettes in all: Miss Mushroom, Miss Plum, Miss Cheese, Miss Potato, Miss Sauerkraut, Miss Chicken, Miss Cabbage, Miss Beef, Miss Apricot, Miss Berry, and Miss Chick. You'll find them surrounding him at the parade and participating in the Mr. Pierogi Songfest on Saturday of the fest.

Polkahontas

While our Polkahontas (pronounced “pohl-KUH-hon-tuhs”) may not paint with all the colors of the wind, you’re bound to find her colorful in her own right. Her favorite polka is Jimmy Sturr’s “Too Fat Polka.” Often compared to Marge Simpson with her tall pillar of hair, Polkahontas is the walking, talking, big bottomed equivalent of our Polish ambassador. She presides over our polka contests and is quick to wish you a “Gin Dobre” (that’s “Good Day” to you).