Pierogi, those stuffed pillows of dough that are part of the culinary heritage of Northwestern Indiana, are so revered here that they have their own festival. And the festival is so popular that both Bon Appetit and the Food Network recommended that people visit Whiting, Indiana, a lakeside town next door to Chicago, to attend.

It might be said that pierogi rule in Northwest Indiana where the culinary heritage of immigrants from Poland introduced this treat to area.

Pierogi Fest both embraces and tweaks the Eastern European population that is dominant here.

There are games such as the pierogi toss and Eastern European Block Jeopardy (to be competitive bone up on famous Polish composers and 16th century rulers), a booth that sells pierogi for pets, a pierogi eating contest and, of course, the main draw, the opening night Polka Parade, featuring a plethora of floats like Liberty Savings – toilet bowl with a sign reading "where we flush with dough".

There's more to the fest than eating pierogi. Mr. Pierogi and the Pieroguettes (Miss Potato, Miss Cheese, Miss Mushroom, Miss Berry, Miss Beef, Miss Apricot, and Miss Sauerkraut), costumed figures, sing and dance during the Mr. Pierogi Musicale. TThere are games such as the pierogi toss and Eastern Block Jeopardy and a parade as well as arts and crafts stands and drinking booths.

Tired of all things pierogi? Then hit the slots at the Horseshoe Casino just down the street.

Practical Info

219-659-0292

www.pierogifest.net

Whiting, IN