Polish culture is celebrated on Dyngus Day

Photos by Tom Rivers
MEDINA – Polish culture was celebrated today with Dyngus Day parties throughout Western New York, including one at the Sacred Heart Club in Medina. In the top photo, Sharon and Frank Gurzynski of Holley dance to music by Brass Magic, a polka band from Rochester.

The Sacred Heart Club served up Polish food, while about 150 people enjoyed the polka music and the crowning of Dyngus Day royalty.

Bill Wymyczak of Lyndonville was named king for 2015. He gets pinned by last year’s queen, Tessa Hartway.

Wymyczak, a construction worker, joined the Sacred Heart Club in the late 1990s. He has helped with many projects at the club, from redoing the back stairs to other concrete work.

“It’s a place to come and hang put and have some fun,” he said.

Tammy Hinkson was crowned queen this evening. She is dancing with Wymyczak, her fiancé.

The two met about two years ago on Good Friday at the Sacred Heart Club.

Hinkson helped prepare the Polish food for the Dyngus Day celebration, working in the kitchen on Saturday and today.

“Anything that goes on she is willing to help,” said Dee Lucas, one of the Dyngus Day organizers at Sacred Heart.

Dee Lucas announces the king and queen for Dyngus Day.

Hinkson is a member of the Sacred Heart board of directors. The club has about 200 members, and rents the hall out for weddings and special events.

“I just love working with the people,” she said.

Hinkson works as an accountant for Empire Coatings in Albion.

Dudley Reimer is a singer for Brass Magic in Rochester.

There were plenty of Polish food items to pick from, including cabbage rolls.

The annual Dyngus Day party is a popular event at the Sacred Heart Club.