About

Polish Day Parade Mission Statement

The Polish Day Parade of Michigan aims to celebrate Polish and Polish American heritage and culture, often noting significant anniversaries of Poland and Polonia. It fosters a festive community spirit by bringing together friends, families, organizations, and the larger American community by showcasing Polish American pride, achievements, and contributions through a Polish themed parade each year.

Polish Day Parade Committee
Polish American Congress, Michigan Division
11333 Joseph Campau, Hamtramck, MI 48212
Phone: (313) 365-9400
Fax: (313) 365-9474
Email: Anyone wishing to submit parade entry forms by email should use the following address: jchmura@37thdistrictcourt.org

For more than 80 years, the Polish American Congress, Michigan Division has served as an umbrella organization representing approximately 100 Polish American groups throughout the state. Headquartered in Hamtramck on Joseph Campau Avenue, the organization plays a key role in preserving and promoting Polish heritage. One of its most vital committees is the Polish Day Parade Committee.

The committee plans and organizes Hamtramck’s Polish Day Parade, held annually on Labor Day at 1:30 p.m. Parade participants gather at the corner of Holbrook and Joseph Campau and proceed north along Joseph Campau to Commor. The event is widely regarded as one of the largest ethnic parades in the state of Michigan, featuring participation from numerous individuals and organizations, including political leaders.

The Polish Day Parade has a long and rich history dating back to the 1930s. Its origins can be traced to the May 1 Polish Constitution Day observance held on Detroit’s Belle Isle. Over time, the celebration evolved into the Pulaski Day Parade, which was traditionally held each fall in downtown Detroit.

In 1977, Paul C. Odrobina, then president of the Polish American Congress, Michigan Division and a city council member, recognized the importance of continuing the parade tradition in Hamtramck. “I was happy to continue the tradition in the city of Hamtramck by having the parade committee agree to stage the parade on Joseph Campau Avenue during the city’s annual festival,” Odrobina said.

He further emphasized the significance of the event, stating, “The Polish Day Parade is an annual tradition that celebrates Polish American life. The parade brings out all that is good about one’s Polish heritage. We all should be proud of who we are and what we contribute to America.”

For more information about the Polish American Congress, Michigan Division, or the Polish Day Parade, please call the headquarters at (313) 365-9400.