Oh, that brings back fond memories of being a kid in Chicago. Please do me a favor by standing in the middle of the Festival and inhaling deeply for me.

I grew up in Northern Illinois.. we had very large populations of European immigrants. Each group had their own neighborhoods/districts and associated restaurants, bakeries and churches.. that's changed now, but I recall almost every Sunday, my dad would go to Polska Bakery and buy peanut rolls, snowballs, and a loaf of dark polish rye.. and if we kids got our way, he'd buy a loaf of sweet polish rye for us.. I also remember they made a cheesecake that was more savory than sweet, but it still had a dessert quality to it..I think I would really enjoy that cheesecake as an adult, but can't find any of these old time bakeries anymore..Polska Bakery was behind a house and not real obvious... The Polish and the Swedes had the best sweet rolls and the Italian bakeries had the best breads,,, and the Luthuanian Club had the best Friday nite fish fry's and potato kugels... all cooked and served by the woman club members... I think they are still operating that club...

Victor's European Meat Market off of Pacific Hwy in Tigard. Some darn good, traditional kielbasa and other great meats. Don't bring your credit card--Victor is old school and takes cash or check. If you grew up eating this stuff then you'll want to take home quite a bit. Sorry, no fresh pastries but worth the drive if you're not a vegetarian and if you are then this is the place to have your conversion experience.

If you've never attended this event, make it a point this year. The music is wonderful and the food is unbelievably good! Try a Polish beer. You'll like it!

Without a doubt - my vote for Portland's most under-the-radar event worth attending.

Walesa's a great man, but still alive- how about Jan Sobieski, who saved Europe from the Turks (pardon me, Muslims)?

You people really don't know how to play this game, do you?

Lech Walesa, nor Jan Sobieski, are going nowhere.

You need a bona fide hero of the American Revolution: Thaddeus Kosciuszko.

I'm appalled that, to date, he has been overlooked by Portland's civic leadership. Now, get busy.

I still think Portland ought to grab a piece of the Pulaski Skyway for a pedestrian bridge. Reduce, reuse, recycle!

Now, now! That Skyway is reserved for New Jersey white-knuckle driving. Portland needs to come up with another killer idea.

Just got back from the festival.. I'm stuffed...