Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh raised the Polish flag to kick off weekend festivities.

The 64th annual Polish Fest is underway in Clinton Square. The fest features polka music, polish food, and events like the Pierogi Eating Contest.

Saturday, Senator DeFrancisco will give out scholarships to students who share the values of the polish community. Organizers say it's a great way to highlight the polish roots in Syracuse.

"It's a little bit of work but it's worth it,” said Vice President of the Polish Scholarship Organization Nancy Trohanar Cummings. “We're promoting our culture our heritage and also showing the city that we do have students that are doing so well these students are polish decent."

The Polish Fest runs through Sunday evening.