After 40 days of Lent, many in Buffalo will end their six weeks of self-sacrifice with a big party Monday. It's the Polish-American celebration of Dyngus Day.It's been around for many years. But it really took off in the last decade when local comedian "Airborne" Eddy Dobosiewicz and friends created a big parade in Buffalo's historic Polonia district, culminating with a huge party at the Central Terminal.
"This parade, which started seven years ago, began with a couple of pick-up trucks and a couple of guys named Stan, playing an accordion," Dobosiewicz said.
The celebration received even more of a boost last year when CNN's Anderson Cooper engaged in his now infamous laughing fit over Dyngus Day. Many in Buffalo were offended. But Dobosiewicz says the awareness that created was significant.
"I think we should send Anderson Cooper a check -- or at least 20 or 30 pounds of kielbasa."
Cooper was invited to attend this year's celebration, but he won't be able to make it because of a scheduling conflict. But thousands of others will gather at more than two dozen venues in the area, dancing to polkas and feasting on kielbasa.
The fact that Dyngus Day and April Fool's coincide could result in a bit more mischief, which is fine with Airborne Eddy, as long as, he says, the joke isn't on him.
