09/09/2026
Congratulations to our parade royalty! ⭐️ 👑
🇵🇱 Announcing the 88th Annual Pulaski Day Parade Grand Marshal, Pulaski Princess, and Pulaski Countess! 🇵🇱
⭐ Grand Marshal: Christine Lukaszewicz Kibler
👑 Pulaski Princess: Madison Smolinski
👑 Pulaski Countess: Kaitlyn Smolinski
Join us as we celebrate Polish heritage, America 250, community, and tradition on Saturday, September 12th, at 11:30 AM in Depew. The Parade starts at the Depew Municipal Building, proceeds south on Manitou Street, turns right onto Terrace Blvd, and ends at Veterans Park.
🎁 Free mug giveaway to parade watchers!
Join us in Veterans Park after the parade for music, basket raffle, food, and craft vendors until 5:00 PM.
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⭐ 2026 Grand Marshal Christine Lukaszewicz Kibler
Christine’s parents, Stanislaw and Theresa Lukaszewicz, taught her and her sister, Anna, to be proud of their Polish heritage and traditions which instilled the values of hard work, close families and caring for each other. Her trips to Poland confirm that her Polish heritage is where these values and traditions come from.
Being proud of her Polish heritage led her and her sister to undertake the process of obtaining their Polish passports. Through the process, they searched through family records, discovered birth certificates and citizenship papers. She states receiving their Polish Passports was both a humbling and rewarding experience.
Christine’s father believed it was important to participate in events and belong to organizations that support the Polish American community. She is the current Treasurer of the General Pulaski Association and former Second Vice President. She is the President of the Professional & Business Women of Polonia and supports many other organizations that promote Polish culture, customs and traditions.
She is employed with the New York State Court System as Chief Clerk of Niagara Supreme and County Courts which is the highest ranking nonjudicial employee in Supreme and County Court responsible for managing all aspects of court operations and nonjudicial case processing activities.
She received a Master of Science in Professional Leadership from St. Bonaventure University and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Medaille College.
👑 2026 Pulaski Princess Madison Smolinski
Madison Smolinski is an 11-year-old sixth grader at William Street School in Lancaster. She loves being active and plays travel softball for the Lancaster Heat, where she plays second base and shortstop. She also plays volleyball for her school and takes Jazz and lyrical dance classes.
Madison has been a Girl Scout for several years and enjoys learning new things, helping others, and being part of her community. When she isn't playing sports or dancing, Madison loves spending time with her family and friends.
Madison enjoys celebrating her Polish heritage with her family and especially likes helping make Polish food, learning to Polka, breaking Oplatek on Christmas Eve, and decorating Easter eggs.
Madison is very excited to be the Princess in the Pulaski Parade. She can't wait to walk in the parade, celebrate with her family and friends, and be part of such a fun Polish tradition. And, of course, one of the best parts will be getting to pick out her princess dress!
👑 2026 Pulaski Countess Kaitlyn Smolinski
Kaitlyn Smolinski is a 14-year-old freshman at Lancaster High School and a competitive dancer with Elite Dance Company. Dance is a big part of Kaitlyn’s life, and in 2026 she was excited to be named her team’s MVP. She also enjoys being a mentor at the studio and helping younger dancers.
Outside of dance, Kaitlyn is a member of the National Junior Honor Society and Drama Club. She performed in her middle school musicals and has always enjoyed being on stage.
Kaitlyn and her family enjoy celebrating their Polish heritage through traditions that bring everyone together. Some of her favorites include eating pierogi and Polish sausage, decorating Easter eggs, celebrating Dyngus Day polka-ing, and sharing Oplatek on Christmas Eve.
Kaitlyn is excited to be a part of the Pulaski Parade as a Countess and looks forward to celebrating with her family and the Polish community. She is especially excited to learn more about her Polish heritage and experience all the traditions that make the celebration so special.
