One of America’s most liked holidays and even renowned throughout the world as part of America’s customs is Thanksgiving Day. It is a government sanctioned holiday in which the citizens of the America give thanks for their freedoms, bountiful food, and their families. The holiday is also the day which marks the beginning of the Christmas holiday shopping season. To celebrate these events, well known merchants in downtown Chicago sponsor a great parade to mark the beginning of the season. The excellent sponsorship and high attendance of spectators (approximately 500,000) to the downtown district make the parade very popular. In addition, its’ live transmission via WGN TV via satellite makes the parade extremely visible to about 75 million households.

                The parade draws marching bands, equestrian units, floats, and spectacular balloons to awe attendees, and the competition to participate is quite demanding. As such, the Tatra Mountain Cultural Foundation felt that the best way to convey the beautiful culture of their homeland is with a unit float.  Leading our unit is a horse drawn carriage typical for carrying visitors around Tatra mountain resorts. In it this year were the Honorable Consul from the Republic of Poland Konrad Zielinski and the President of the Foundation Bogdan Ogorek. The float itself features an alpine skier from Tatry Ski Club and a Tatra folkloric ensemble performing traditional Highlander dances. All of the activities are taking place under the watchful eye of the shepherd who is tending his sheep by a traditional alpine chalet. As we move along the parade route viewed by throngs of people it is a pleasure to see the wonderful reaction of awe and support from visitors who appreciate the level of effort that the members of the foundation place in preserving and promoting the culture and location of the Tatra Mountains in southern Poland.