Reminiscing: the 2008 & 2009 Posen Potato Festival
This was the official site for the Posen Chamber of Commerce.
Content is from the site's 2008 -2009 archived pages as well as from other outside sources providing just a glimpse of what celebrating the annual Posen Potato Festival is all about.
For more than 50 years the Festivalhas celebrated the end of the harvest with free concerts, children's entertainment, a potato dish contest and a beauty pageant to choose Miss Posen.
2018
A Peek Inside the 67th Posen Potato Festival
Posted on September 6th, 2018 | https://www.visitalpena.com/
Posted on September 6th, 2018
Local Experience Writer Lara King gives readers an inside look at a familiar favorite in Northeast Michigan. Alpena’s neighbor to the Northwest, Posen, has been celebrating the local potato harvest in Northeast Michigan for 67 years. Generations of families have grown up learning how to dance the polka, sharing family recipes for potato latkes, and celebrating the potato harvest with the annual Posen Potato Festival. Lara spoke to some local residents and shares the story of the Festival below. Enjoy!
The rural town of Posen, Michigan had an estimated population of 224 in 2016. During the weekend of the Posen Potato Festival, however, the population surges to several thousand! The first settlers in the small village were immigrants from Poland. Once they began their new lives in Posen, they were lonely for their relatives in their homeland. To persuade them to make the journey to Posen, they wrote about the abundance of land in letters but neglected to mention that the land was full of rocks. Fortunately, one crop that would grow on this type of land was potatoes, which quickly became a cash crop for the area.
My grandfather, Thomas Hoppe, who will turn 80 years old this September, remembers that the school closed for two weeks near the end of the potato growing season because the children were needed to help their families harvest the potatoes. The festival started as a celebration of the end of the harvest season. Mr. Kenneth Wozniak, from Stanley Wozniak Insurance in Posen, is much younger than my grandfather and recalls having one week off. According to Mr. Wozniak, picking the potatoes was ‘not a lot of fun’! Today, only the upperclassmen at Posen High School gets the day before and after the festival to help prepare for and clean.
Although the population and potato farms have decreased in numbers over the years, the celebrations have grown. Initially, there was only a parade and a party to celebrate. Now, the festival features live polka music, carnival rides, arts & crafts, spud run 5K and various potato-themed contests. The Potato Festival Queen has been a staple of the festival since its first year. The first queen was Blanche Wozniak, who was selected by selling a large number of tickets. Today, the queen earns her title (‘Miss Posen’) in a pageant and is featured in the Grand Parade.
The festival was originally held in October and over the years it was moved to September. It is a running joke that the weather has always cooperated with the festival. So far, it has never rained on the parade!
If you and your family are looking for a lovely drive and a traditional festival, head on over to the 67th Annual Posen Potato Festival, which will be held from September 7th to the 9th.
The Posen Chamber of Commerce was organized in October, 1951.
Their current website can be found at: www.posenpotatofestival.com/index.html
Their 68th Annual Posen Potato Festival was held in 2019.
I attended my first Posen Potato Festival in 2018 with my fiancee who is from Posen. We signed up and participated in the Spud Run which is really a 5K Walk/ Run event. It was certainly different from running in Central Park in Manhattan which is where I am from. I was knocked out watching the Bump-n-Run. Honestly I had never seen anything like it except perhaps in the movies.
The parade epitomized the essence of a genuine small town gathering, with my fiancée's relatives taking an active role by riding in the parade. The event lacked ostentatious vehicles, yet it was rich in character, featuring an array of floats like the Miss Posen pageant float, alongside polished heavy duty equipment from local businesses. Musical bands added to the ambiance, setting the stage for a successful small town festival brimming with delectable food, engaging music, a carnival, and arts & crafts, among other attractions. My favorite activity, however, was dancing to polka bands. After months of practicing various polkas with my fiancée, I was eager to impress his family, who were all skilled dancers. For this trip, I was advised to pack simply, as we were visiting folks from a small town where nothing too fancy was needed. This advice served me well, especially considering the evenings could get a tad chilly. What excited me most was the prospect of participating in the local tradition that everyone looked forward to each year: the Posen Golf Tournament. As a southpaw female golfer, I was both nervous and thrilled to showcase my skills with my brand new women's left-handed golf clubs. This event has become a staple of the community, not just for the sport itself but for the way it brings everyone together. Posen's passion for golf is deeply rooted in its history, with generations participating in the annual tournament. It's a celebration of skill, sportsmanship, and community spirit. Being one of the few left-handed players added an interesting dynamic to my participation, but the warmth of the community made me feel right at home. The tradition of golf in Posen, coupled with the joy of polka dancing, hinted at the unique blend of activities that make this town special. I'm now looking forward to making our visits to northern Michigan an annual tradition, not just for the family reunion and polka dancing but also to take part in the golf tournament, where I can continue to develop my left-handed game while immersing myself further into the local culture.
2009
Chamber of Commerce monthly meeting take place the first Wednesday
of every month at the Chamber Office
on East 634 Hwy. at 7:00 p.m.
Now for a nostalgic trip back to 2008-2009 Posen Potato Festival.
58th Posen Potato Festival
Friday, September 11, thru Sunday September 13, 2009
For More Information please call 989-766-8128
Posen Potato Festival - 2009
Polka Pavilion
Friday, Sept. 11th 2008 - Sunday, Sept. 13th 2009
This years performers will be!
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7:00P.M.-1:00A.M. *Stephanie American Polka Sweetheart (Depew,New York) *Old School Polka Band (Burton, Ohio) |
Saturday, September 14 |
Sunday, September 13 |
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2008
Polka Pavilion
Friday, Sept. 11th 2008 - Sunday, Sept. 13th 2008
This years performers will be!
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*John Stevens and Doubleshot (Swoyersville, Pennsylvna) *Touch of Brass (Toledo, Ohio) |
Saturday, September 6 Noon- 6:00P.M. |
Sunday, September 7 |
Country Western Tent
Saturday, Sept. 6th 2008
This years preformer will be Adam D. Tucker
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*World Famous Wild Horse Saloon Entertainer *Famous Ernest Tubb Texas Theater Entertainer *Famous House Of Blues Entertainer *All American Quarter Horse Congress Entertainer * Many More.......... |
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Opening Act For |
Sponsors |
Please support these fine partners of the Posen Chamber of Commerce
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Randy, Laura and Nick Idalski Gary Bisson Alletta Misiak Butch Woloszyk Clem Misiak Andrea Konwinski Meg Romel MaryEllen Wozniak Ken Wozniak Chuck Wozniak Paulette Woloszyk Carl and Pat Hoppe Paul,Doris,Sarah,Matt,and Lindsay Ponik Carleen Darga Kenneth and Janice Pawelek Lorraine Bronikowski Dennis and Julie Misiak Henry Francalossi Judy and Mark Romel Judy McFalda Linda Sharpe Keith Wright, DO Thomas Allum, Do Jennie Klingshirn Ronald Stoinski Frank Avent and William Avent Bruce and Tina Wozniak Ted and Dawn Cousins Lorraine Smigelski David and Shirley Budnick John and Martha Misiak Lisa Centala Pat and Donna Couture Stanley and Virginia Woznick Dennis Goupell Kris McTavish Gary and Marie Wozniak Barbara Ennest |
Jay & Jackie Fisher Raymond & Blanche Meyers Clifford J Kelly Robert & Gladys Purol Denise Julian Daniel & MaryAnn Mulka Mary Goupell Wally & Kate Donajkowski Kathy Zaborney Robert Allum, DO Tammy Henigan, CFNP Jeff & Kate Bruski Tyler Hauff Jason's Posen Quick Stop ABC Homes of Alpena Alpena Beverage Company A-P Super Service Alpena Cycle Club Bayport Convenience Art's Construction-Posen Memorials Atlanta Chamber of Commerce Alpena Chamber of Commerce Ball Tire & Gas Banner Realty Beck Funeral Home Cadillac Products Automotive Company Cheboygan Chamber of Commerce Culligan/D & M Waterworks Century 21 Harbor Realty Team Daniel Martin Law Office Driftwood Motel Dockside Printing Dr. James Ryan, DDS Glen's-Spartan-Market Grand Lake Resort |
Harkins & Karsten OD's Hirzel Sign Shop Huron National Bank Jewell's Disposal Service Inc. John D Burtch-Attorney K & K Electric Services Inc. Lafarge-Alpena & Presque Isle Maple Ridge Companies, Inc. Nautical Lanes Night Hawk Inn Nowak's Window, Door & Cabinets Onaway Community Credit Unions Pine Lumber of Millersberg Posen Pub Posen Ace Hardware Presque Isle Co. Council On Aging Presque Isle Agency Presque Isle Fair Association Quality Repair Route 65 Diner & Lounge Rogers City Area Chamber of Commerce Rogers City Do It Center Rogers City Country Club Skudlarek Dairy Farm Sunrise Gardens & Grains Thunder Bay Accounting Thunder Bay Golf Course WATZ/WRGZ Radio Stations Besser Company Calcite Credit Unions Citizens Bank Curtis Professional Eye Care Clements Water Refining Dick's Drywall & Texture Doug Potter Chevy, Olds, Pontiac & Buick Dr. Robert Taylor, DDS Edward D. Jones Grand Lake Daily Limit Hall's Serv-All |
Hillman Chamber of Commerce Huron Distributors Inc. Independent Bank's John's Plumbing & Heating K & J Alignment Lappan Agency Inc. Lighthouse Restaurant McWilliams Funeral Home Netta's Northeastern Transfer Inc. Onaway Chamber of Commerce Pepsi Cola Plath's Meats, Inc. Posen Knight of Columbus Port-O-Call Presque Isle Electric & Gas Presque Isle Disrtict Library Presue Isle Tourism Council Real Estate One of Presque Isle Richard's Clothing Rogers City Home Furnishings Rogers City Medical Group Rygwelski's IGA |
Stanley Wozniak Insurance Agency TayBeck's Grill & Bar Thunder Bay Community Health Services Village Gift Shop Zgorski Micketti Plumbing & Heating |
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More Background On PosenChamber.com
PosenChamber.com was the official digital hub of the Posen Chamber of Commerce, representing a small but culturally vibrant rural community in northeastern Michigan. Though modest in design and scope, the website served as an essential communication platform for residents, visitors, and businesses interested in the town of Posen and its most iconic annual event—the Posen Potato Festival. Today, much of the site’s content survives through web archives, offering a valuable window into the traditions, economy, and social fabric of this tight-knit community.
The Chamber itself, established in 1951, has long played a central role in organizing local events, supporting small businesses, and preserving the town’s heritage. PosenChamber.com reflected these goals by highlighting community initiatives, event schedules, sponsorships, and cultural traditions that define the area.
Geographic and Community Context
Posen is a small village located in Presque Isle County in northeastern Michigan, not far from Alpena and the Lake Huron shoreline. With a population of only a few hundred residents, Posen exemplifies the rural Midwestern town where agriculture, tradition, and community identity are closely intertwined.
The region is historically tied to Polish immigrants who settled there in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. These settlers brought with them cultural traditions—particularly music, dance, and cuisine—that remain highly visible today. The rocky soil of the area proved well-suited to potato farming, which became a defining agricultural product and economic driver for the region.
Posen’s relative proximity to Alpena, a larger regional hub, allows it to maintain its rural identity while still benefiting from nearby tourism and commerce. During most of the year, the town is quiet and sparsely populated. However, during major events such as the Posen Potato Festival, the population swells dramatically as visitors arrive from across Michigan and beyond.
The Posen Chamber of Commerce: Mission and Activities
The Posen Chamber of Commerce was founded in October 1951 with the goal of promoting local economic development and fostering community engagement. Like many chambers in small towns, its role extends far beyond business advocacy. It acts as an organizer of cultural events, a connector of residents, and a steward of local traditions.
PosenChamber.com reflected these responsibilities by providing:
- Event schedules and announcements
- Festival information and historical context
- Listings of sponsors and local businesses
- Community meeting details
- Contact information for civic engagement
Monthly meetings, typically held at the Chamber office, were open to members and served as a forum for discussing upcoming events, economic initiatives, and community needs.
The Posen Potato Festival: Heart of the Website
The central focus of PosenChamber.com was undoubtedly the Posen Potato Festival, an annual celebration that has been held for more than half a century. The festival originated as a way to mark the end of the potato harvest season—a time when local families, including schoolchildren, would work together in the fields.
Over time, the event evolved into a major regional attraction while retaining its agricultural roots and cultural authenticity.
Origins and Evolution
The festival began as a simple gathering featuring a parade and community celebration. Early iterations were modest, reflecting the size and resources of the town. However, as the years progressed, the festival expanded to include a wide range of activities and entertainment.
Originally held in October, the festival was later moved to September, likely to take advantage of more favorable weather conditions. Despite its growth, the event has maintained a reputation for consistent good weather and strong community participation.
Key Attractions and Events
The archived content on PosenChamber.com highlights a variety of attractions that define the festival experience:
- Polka Music Performances: A cornerstone of the festival, featuring regional and national polka bands. Music is performed in dedicated venues such as the Polka Pavilion, where dancing continues late into the night.
- Parade: A community-driven event showcasing local organizations, businesses, and the festival’s royal court, including Miss Posen.
- Beauty Pageant: The selection of the Potato Festival Queen, a tradition dating back to the festival’s early years.
- Potato-Themed Contests: Including cooking competitions that celebrate local recipes and culinary creativity.
- Carnival Rides and Games: Providing entertainment for families and children.
- Arts and Crafts Vendors: Featuring handmade goods and regional artisans.
- Spud Run (5K): A fitness event that adds a modern dimension to the festival.
- Bump-n-Run Event: A demolition-style car competition that has become a crowd favorite.
These activities illustrate how the festival blends traditional agricultural celebration with contemporary entertainment.
Musical Programming
One of the most detailed aspects of the archived site is its documentation of musical lineups. Performers ranged from local bands to well-known regional acts specializing in polka and country music. Events were carefully scheduled across multiple days, often running from afternoon into late night.
The inclusion of country music acts alongside polka performers demonstrates the festival’s effort to appeal to a broader audience while still honoring its Polish heritage.
Community Participation and Sponsorship
A defining feature of PosenChamber.com was its extensive acknowledgment of sponsors and community contributors. The website listed dozens of individuals, families, and businesses that supported the festival and the Chamber’s activities.
These sponsors ranged from local farms and small businesses to regional banks, insurance agencies, and service providers. Their involvement underscores the collaborative nature of the festival and the importance of community support in sustaining such events.
The sponsor lists also provide insight into the local economy, highlighting industries such as agriculture, construction, retail, and healthcare.
Cultural Significance
The Posen Potato Festival is more than just an event—it is a cultural institution that reflects the identity of the community. The festival preserves and promotes traditions that might otherwise fade in a rapidly modernizing world.
Polish Heritage
The strong Polish influence in Posen is evident in many aspects of the festival:
- Polka music and dancing
- Traditional foods such as potato-based dishes and kielbasa
- Community values centered on family and shared labor
These elements create a sense of continuity between past and present, allowing younger generations to connect with their heritage.
Rural Identity
The festival also reinforces the town’s rural character. Activities such as agricultural contests and community parades emphasize the importance of farming and local craftsmanship. The informal, welcoming atmosphere contrasts with larger, more commercialized events, making the festival particularly appealing to visitors seeking an authentic experience.
Audience and Appeal
PosenChamber.com catered to a diverse audience that included:
- Local residents seeking event information
- Former residents returning for the festival
- Tourists interested in regional culture
- Businesses looking to participate or sponsor events
The festival itself attracts thousands of visitors each year, far exceeding the town’s population. This influx provides a significant economic boost to the area and helps sustain local businesses.
Visitors often describe the festival as a unique blend of nostalgia and entertainment. The absence of large-scale commercialization allows for a more personal and community-oriented experience.
Press and Media Coverage
While PosenChamber.com itself functioned as a primary source of information, the Posen Potato Festival has also received coverage from regional tourism organizations and media outlets. Articles and travel features often highlight the festival as a quintessential example of a Midwestern harvest celebration.
Writers frequently emphasize:
- The dramatic increase in population during the festival
- The authenticity of the cultural experience
- The variety of activities available
Such coverage has helped raise the profile of the festival beyond its immediate geographic area.
Website Structure and Features
As a website, PosenChamber.com was relatively simple, reflecting the technological standards of the late 2000s. However, its straightforward design made it accessible and easy to navigate.
Key features included:
- Event schedules organized by date and time
- Performer lineups with locations and backgrounds
- Sponsor acknowledgments
- Contact information and meeting details
The site’s primary function was informational rather than interactive, focusing on delivering essential details to visitors.
Transition and Legacy
In later years, the online presence of the Posen Chamber of Commerce transitioned to a dedicated website for the Posen Potato Festival. This shift reflects a broader trend in which specific events develop their own digital platforms to better serve audiences.
Despite the original site’s limited lifespan, its archived content remains valuable for understanding the history and evolution of the festival and the community it represents.
Economic and Social Impact
The Posen Potato Festival plays a crucial role in the local economy. By attracting thousands of visitors, it generates revenue for:
- Restaurants and food vendors
- Lodging facilities in nearby towns
- Retail businesses
- Service providers
Beyond its economic benefits, the festival strengthens social bonds within the community. It provides an opportunity for residents to collaborate, celebrate, and share their traditions with others.
Personal Experiences and Community Stories
Accounts from attendees often highlight the festival’s welcoming atmosphere and unique charm. Visitors describe experiences such as:
- Participating in the Spud Run
- Watching the Bump-n-Run event
- Dancing to polka bands
- Engaging with local families and traditions
These stories add a personal dimension to the festival, illustrating its impact on individuals and reinforcing its reputation as a meaningful cultural event.
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PosenChamber.com may have been a modest website, but it represented a rich and enduring community tradition. Through its documentation of the Posen Potato Festival and related activities, it provided insight into the values, history, and identity of a small Michigan town.
The site’s legacy lives on through archived content and the continued success of the festival it helped promote. For those interested in rural American culture, agricultural traditions, and community-driven events, PosenChamber.com offers a compelling case study of how local initiatives can achieve lasting significance.