Ivanhoe to hold 55th annual Polish Days

Prairie and Pines 5k and half marathon race in Camden state park

Nancy Jerzak was born and raised in Ivanhoe and been attending Polska Kielbasa Days for as long as she can remember. But now, as president of the Ivanhoe community club, she’s in charge of running it.

"I always remember going to the tractor pull," Jerzak said. "Watching the softball tournaments, always eating all the food, it’s always been great."

Ivanhoe will host its 55th Polska Kielbasa Days event this weekend. Over in Marshall, the Y will be hosting a "Prairie and Pines 5k and Half Marathon" race in Camden state park.

Complete with a softball tournament, a tractor pull, a fireworks show on Saturday night. Jerzak said Ivanhoe is also bringing back fan favorite food trucks like Sweet Kettle Madness--who sell donuts and kettle corn--and Maui Wowie, a Hawaiian themed truck that sells smoothies and coffee.

The food over in Ivanhoe will also show off the town’s rich Polish culture. Community members get the opportunity on Saturday to participate in an Authentic foods event, where they make all types of Polish foods from pierogies, to pocket dogs. For the first time ever--Authentic Polish Kielbasa sausages.

"They are amazing." Jerzak said.

On Sunday at 12:30 p.m. Ivanhoe will have an "era" themed parade celebrating the different eras of America. Jerzak said anyone can show up, get registered and participate.

"The more the merrier," Jerzak said. "Everybody should come and join us, it’s a fun time."

Over in Marshall. The Y is hosting their Prairie & Pines 5K and Half Marathon, they’ve done this event in the past but according to Casey Wall, who works at the YMCA front desk, this will be the first year they include a half marathon.

Wall said Interested runners can register for the 5k up until 4:30 p.m. on Saturday and for the half marathon until 6:30 a.m. on Sunday.

After the run, finishers will get to celebrate with something to eat from food trucks. According to Wall, after the 5k the food trucks "Asian hut" and "Rolling Hills" will be present. After the half marathon, La Tapatia and Patricia Mayer will be giving out food.

"Definitely going to be good for the community," Wall said. "Fun for the family."