News from Poland:

Pierogi, dumplings with many varieties of filling, are a Polish specialty. They have also become the subject of a major row.

As businesses serving pizza are called pizzerias, those serving pierogi are called pierogarnias. At least they were - until this week.

Pierogi places around Poland have received letters from the lawyers of the “Polskie Pierogarnie” company, demanding the word “pierogarnnia” be removed from their street signs, menus, business cards and ads. Apparently the company has registered the name “pierogarnia” at the patent office.

Many pierogi establishments argue “pierogarnia” is a generic name. Lawyers are already jumping with joy at the prospect of a long and difficult trial. So are Polish philologists, who as court language experts will finally be able to find a job connected with their studies.

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July 24 - July 26, 2009 in Whiting, Indiana
“Our local cultural icon, Mr. Pierogi leads our Polka Parade, chats with young visitors, and has had his picture taken over and over again with Pierogi Festival goers. Mr. Pierogi and his Pieroguettes (Miss Potato, Miss Cheese, Miss Mushroom, Miss Berry, Miss Beef, Miss Apricot, and Miss Sauerkraut) sing and dance during the Mr. Pierogi Musicale presented on Saturdays. Big time favorites are “Pierogi” our festival anthem, sung to the tune of ‘Matilda’ and the charming ‘Whiting, Indiana’ song. Guests vocalists have bowled over lunch time crowds with “You Can’t Hurry Lunch,” ‘Anything You Can Eat, I Can Eat More Of’ and of course the fugue from ‘Guys & Pierogis.’ Broadway tunes bow to the great white (and kind of golden brown) Pierogi! The festival features events for the young and old.” Let me just say that I personally would never pass up a chance to meet Mr. Pierogi and dance with him in the Polka Parade!