Need to Know: St. Mary's Fair a Summer Tradition

Back once again for the 41st straight year, the St. Mary's Country Fair returns to Orchard Lake next Friday in an event expected to draw more than 100,000 from throughout Metro Detroit.

In addition to an 80-foot roller coaster and more than 40 Midway rides, the event is highlighted by live music from local bands, a selection of authentic Polish cuisine, carnival games, a Vegas-style gambling tent and a newly-expanded kids crafts area.

Creative Arts Studio of Royal Oak will provide pottery painting, mosaics, wax hands and squirt the shirt for kids, who will also the chance to get airbrush tattoos.

For shoppers, nearly 50 vendors will sell handmade Polish pottery items, t-shirts, jewelry and handbags.  

The Vegas tent will return for visitors 18 years and older with several casino games: traditional Black Jack, Craps, Roulette, Big Wheel and Texas Hold’em.

Parents and professionals will serve as the dealers for all tables. A cash bar with adult beverages will be available for individuals 21 years and older who will be required to wear a wristband. Admission to get inside the tent is $5 per person and identification is required.

Those who wish to gamble can pay cash in exchange for playing chips.

The basics

• What: The St. Mary’s Polish Country Fair, the traditional start to Michigan summer, serves as host to more than 110,000 fun seekers each Memorial Day weekend.  
• When: The four-day fair will be held May 25–28 and will be open from 5-11 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, and 11 a.m.-7 p.m. on Monday.
• Where:  is located at 3535 Indian Trail in Orchard Lake at the intersection of Commerce and Orchard Lake Roads.
• Cost: Admission is free. Hosted and sponsored by St. Mary’s, the Fair is the nation’s largest high school fair and the largest fundraiser for the school. Food ranges from $2-$10. Admission to the gambling tent is $5 (18+ only) and various gambling tournaments offer a range of buy-ins. The cash-out limit is $500.
• What else: "It’s a time for the community to gather, have fun and create memories. For many, the Fair represents the start of summer. Everyone is welcome," said Jim Glowacki, headmaster of St. Mary’s and host of the annual gathering.  

The food

Polish food takes center stage at the fair. An expansive menu boasts authentic Polish favorites including kielbasa, pierogi, kapusta (sauerkraut), and golabki (stuffed cabbage). 

Pierogi is aplenty, with varieties including farmer’s cheese, sauerkraut, potato, mushroom and potato/cheddar.

Separately, a large selection of traditional American fair food, such as hamburgers, corn dogs, fresh baked goods, smoothies and ice-cold adult beverages will also be available. 

The music

Friday

• 5:30 p.m.: Orchard Lake St. Mary’s Jazz Ensemble (jazz)
• 6:30 p.m.: The Night Hawks Jazz Orchestra (jazz)
• 8 p.m.: Polish Muslims (polka rock)

Saturday

• 12 noon: The Hips (classic rock)
• 1:30 p.m.: Toppermost (Beatles tribute)
• 4 p.m.: Blackthorn (Celtic)
• 6 p.m.: Divine Union (classic rock)
• 8 p.m.: The Infatuations (pop/rock/funk)
• 9:30 p.m.: Howling Diablos (rock'n'blues/funk)

Sunday

• 12 noon: Big Daddy & The La Dee Das (polka)
• 4 p.m.: Killer Flamingos (Top 40)
• 6 p.m.: Hot Sauce (R&B/pop)
• 8 p.m.: MEGA 80's (80's)

Monday

• 12 noon: bugs Beddow band (trombone-driven R&B)
• 3 p.m.: Persuasion Band (R&B/pop/rock)