(La Porte, IN) - There was a good turnout for Monday's 35th annual Dyngus Day in La Porte.

 

24-year-old Keegan Kubaszyk was at Ringer’s Bar & Grill when he mentioned beer as one of the things he enjoys most about the occasion. Since his family is Polish, he enjoys meeting people with the same heritage. “It’s a big thing for our family,” Kubaszyk said.

 

Kelly Ritchie was also at Ringers, her 9th stop on the 10 bar route. “This is my 20th Dyngus Day. I enjoy it every year. Every bar has something to offer. It’s just fun,” Ritchie said.

 

The buses paid for by participating tavern owners were rolling again, taking people from bar to bar. Many people took advantage of the free rides after there were no buses last year out of fear of spreading COVID-19.

 

Brad Hindsley said Dyngus Day was a chance to meet up with friends and relax after a stressful week. 

 

Some bars featured live music, while some of the other establishments had disk jockeys play songs. There was also polish food on the menu to celebrate the heritage of Dyngus Day, which has its roots in Poland centuries ago to celebrate the end of fasting during Lent.

 

Anne Matuz, Ringer’s Bar & Grill owner, said Dyngus Day is one of the local establishments' biggest days of the year.

 

“It’s a lot of work. A lot of preparation. A lot of fun. A lot of food. A lot of beer. A lot of drinks and a lot of people,” Matuz said.