Polonez dancers from San Diego perform during the 44th annual Dozynki Harvest Festival at the Saint John Paul II Polish Center in Yorba Linda on Saturday, September 16, 2023. (Photo by Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Children with the Karicka and Podkovicka dance group from Slovakia and the Czech Republic, watch performances before it’s their turn during the Dozynki Harvest Festival in Yorba Linda on Saturday, September 16, 2023. (Photo by Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register/SCNG)
The Saint John Paul II Polish Center in Yorba Linda celebrates its 44th annual Dozynki Harvest Festival on
Saturday, September 16, 2023, with food dance, drinks and games. (Photo by Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Kielbasa sandwiches and hot dogs are on the menu during the 44th annual Dozynki Harvest Festival at the Saint John Paul II Polish Center in Yorba Linda on Saturday, September 16, 2023. (Photo by Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Polskie Smyki dancers perform in the 44th annual Dozynki Harvest Festival at the Saint John Paul II Polish Center in Yorba Linda on Saturday, September 16, 2023. The five siblings from San Diego all played violin but three of them became interested in dance during the COVID-19 pandemic. Their mother, Elzbieta Kozlowska, is a professionally trained violinist from Poland. (Photo by Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register/SCNG)
People tour Saint John Paul II Polish Center in Yorba Linda on Saturday, September 16, 2023 during the
44th annual Dozynki Harvest Festival. The center is adorned with symbolic and colorful stained glass panels.(Photo by Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Kate Phelps and her 6-year-old son Logan strike a pose during the 44th annual Dozynki Harvest Festival at Saint John Paul II Polish Center in Yorba Linda on Saturday, September 16, 2023. (Photo by Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Bulgarian group, DEBA, performs folk dance during the 44th annual Dozynki Harvest Festival at the Saint John Paul II Polish Center in Yorba Linda on Saturday, September 16, 2023. (Photo by Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Children with the Karicka and Podkovicka dance group from Slovakia and the Czech Republic perform while other children watch during the Dozynki Harvest Festival in Yorba Linda on Saturday, September 16, 2023. (Photo by Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Viola Turek and her 10-year-old daughter, Karolina, watch the entertainment as the await their turn to perform Krakowiak folk dance with their Yorba Linda group, Polanie. They were at the 44th annual Dozynki Harvest Festival at the Saint John Paul II Polish Center in Yorba Linda on Saturday, September 16, 2023. (Photo by Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Musician Derek Day performs during the Dozynki Harvest Festival in Yorba Linda on Saturday, September 16, 2023.(Photo by Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Musician Derek Day performs during the Dozynki Harvest Festival in Yorba Linda on Saturday, September 16, 2023.(Photo by Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Polskie Smyki dancers perform in the 44th annual Dozynki Harvest Festival at the Saint John Paul II Polish Center in Yorba Linda on Saturday, September 16, 2023. The five siblings from San Diego all played violin but three of them became interested in dance during the COVID-19 pandemic. Their mother, Elzbieta Kozlowska, is a professionally trained violinist from Poland. (Photo by Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Polonez dancers from San Diego perform during the 44th annual Dozynki Harvest Festival at the Saint John Paul II Polish Center in Yorba Linda on Saturday, September 16, 2023. (Photo by Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Polonez dancers from San Diego perform during the 44th annual Dozynki Harvest Festival at the Saint John Paul II Polish Center in Yorba Linda on Saturday, September 16, 2023. (Photo by Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register/SCNG)
An Orange County community is sharing its tradition of saying thanks this time of year with their neighbors.
The Saint John Paul II Polish Center in Yorba Linda is celebrating with its annual Dozynki Harvest Festival, which continues Sunday. Dozynki is the tradition of celebrating and giving thanks for a bountiful harvest that dates back to 16th century Poland.
Polish folk dancers in traditional costumes have been performing weekend and there was a special concert by Lombard, a famous band from Poland, Saturday night.
Visitors can try traditional Polish fare such as stuffed cabbage, pierogi, Polska kielbasa and Polish beer. And there will be games for kids and raffles, including for cash prizes.
If you go
When: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sept. 17
Where: Saint John Paul II Polish Center, 3999 Rose Drive, Yorba Linda
