Already looking forward to next year's Summer Fest in Pine Island

To the editor: The Polish Legion of American Veterans and The Pine Island Fire Department held their first annual Summer Fest on the weekend of Aug. 18-19. The idea for this fund raiser came from Pine Island’s Fire Chief Rich Koziol, and The Polish Legion of American Veterans’ Commander Wayne Miller. After months of great planning and hard work, with a committee of many volunteers, their idea sprung to life. The Summer Fest had something for everyone: A car show, carnival, games, an onion-eating contest, a ballet recital performed by Black Dirt Dance, polka dancing, fresh produce, vendors, music by our local bands and plenty of food. As a neighbor of The Legion, I was extremely impressed by the way our community worked together with great effort, support and dedication for our local fire department and our veterans. I also want to personally express what a wonderful job all the volunteers did, including The Jolly Onion Inn and The Chamber of Commerce. Also, watching the American Flag being raised by the help of Randy Blenis and his Ropeway truck, what a beautiful sight that was on Friday morning! To our other “brave” volunteers, Emma Gallagher and Sandi Allan, who spent a couple of long, wet, cold hours in the Dunking Booth, now that took a lot of courage. I am sure the neighborhood would agree with me to thank The Town of Warwick Police Department for keeping watchful eye on the event. I also want to applaud all of the live entertainment provided by: The Gentling, Off Hour Rockers, Groovy Tuesdays, Less the Wiser, Southern Justice and GB’s Polish Band for the great music they performed. Again, thanks to The Pine Island Fire Department and The Polish Legion of American Veterans for making this a fun filled weekend for my family and a job well done. Looking forward to The Second Annual Pine Island Summer Fest! Kerry DeVries Maddalone Pine Island