Despite being in existence for a quarter century, Polish Fest in Milwaukee is entering uncharted waters with the 2007 edition. This year’s festival marks the first without Ted Sobanski, one of its founders and biggest supporters, who passed away a week ago at the age of 94.  
 

Ted Sobanski was born to immigrant parents and grew up on the south side of Milwaukee, an area with a large Polish-American population. After the death of his father, he went to work for the Liberty Baking Company. He eventually became a co-owner of the company. The Liberty Baking Company was one of the largest baking operations in Milwaukee.        Following his retirement from the baking industry, Ted Sobanski became very active in the Polish-American community around Milwaukee. Citing Festa Italiana, a festival celebrating Italian culture, as inspiration, Sobanski started Polish Fest in 1981 as a way for the community to celebrate their Polish heritage. He was active with the Polish Heritage Alliance, the group that runs Polish Fest, working on the alliance’s board, a responsibility he took on while remaining treasurer of Polish Fest.

            Aside from doing work with the Polish Heritage Alliance and Polish Fest, Ted Sobanski watched over Polish Fest Bingo, an event he held closest to his heart. He continued to work with the bingo operation up until his death, running the weekly bingo games just months before he passed on. Since it was started, Polish Fest Bingo has raised over 200,000 dollars, funds which have been used to support different Polish programs such as Polish Fest.

            Although Ted Sobanski is no longer alive, his impact on the Polish-American community around Milwaukee and beyond is felt in the programs he worked to establish. Polish Fest 2007 served as a fitting tribute to the life and work of Ted Sobanski.