Paczki to lure masses to Hamtramck

Each year hordes of Metro Detroiters line Hamtramck’s streets to purchase a paczki—or a dozen. But Erik Tungate, Hamtramck’s Director of Community & Economic Development wants them to purchase more than just donuts. “We hope that all these people who come in for their paczkis look around and say, ‘Oh, there’s Polish Village Café,’ or ‘Oh, there’s a Footlocker.’”  

Because Paczki Day may be the only time each year that some people venture to Hamtramck, the city wants them to see its resurgence and hopefully, make a return visit. Mayor Karen Majewski says, “Paczki Day is a day for people to see our great businesses, our great downtown, and our great community. It is really our day to shine.”

Lest one worry that Paczki Day has begun to take itself too seriously, Majewski adds, “Paczki Day is all about having a good time, about enjoying what makes Hamtramck unique. It’s really a feel-good event for our city.”

Source: Erik Tungate, director of community and economic development for the City of Hamtramck and Karen Majewski, mayor, City of Hamtramck
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