Cultural and family traditions will intertwine at the 104th Polish Falcons' Oplatek banquet, when residents start the new year by passing along their best wishes to each other.

Jean Prego, who helped organize the event, said the banquet has a strong family tradition because it has included her parents and her grandparents.

“I have been coming here since I was 2 years old,” Prego said. “It's a celebration of the Falcon spirit and camaraderie. It's a time for everyone to come down and have a good time with the club members and their friends.”

At the beginning of the banquet, participants will go around offering good wishes and good luck to other people, Prego said. The wish will be symbolized by exchanging a small wafer called an oplatek, which was traditionally given to people as a sign of good luck and good wishes.

After people exchange wafers, they will be able to sit down and enjoy a nice dinner.

“There will be baked ham, chicken, sirloin and beef, and it will be served family style,” Prego said. “The staff at the Sunset will bring out platters of food to each table, and the people will pass it around.”

Visitors will even get a chance to dance to their favorite polka tunes or popular music from the past 30 years.

The event will also be a chance for the Falcons' organization to swear in new officers and to recognize members who have made accomplishments within the community.

“We have a strong feeling of community here,” Prego said. “We like to recognize people who have met certain requirements for giving back. This year I think we will be giving someone one of the highest awards that we have.”

While she would like people to RSVP, Prego said visitors will still be able to purchase tickets at the door. So far, nearly 60 people have reserved tickets while another 20 seats are still available.

“We want to share the camaraderie that exemplifies the Polish spirit,” Prego said. “Anyone is welcome; it will be a big party.”

Nate Robson

253-5311 ext. 248

nathan.robson@lee.net