On February 19, 1473, Nicolaus Copernicus was born. His astronomical claim to fame is that he theorized that the sun was the center of the universe. For one night each year, Copernicus is the center of attention inside Johnstown's Boulevard Grill. It is a silly and spectacular tradition.
This past Saturday was Copernicus Day at the BLVD. For years, my wife and I have celebrated Poland's shining scientific star at one of our favorite places to eat. The BLVD menu is Poland inspired featuring a Polish platter, Polish soup, and Polish libations. I started with the soup and my wife went to town on the platter. Red and white were visible across the restaurant; colors of pride for the Polack.
Lost in the Polish sea was the BLVD owner. Dressed in shirt and tie and sporting a Poland cap, he looked like an executive for a Polish baseball team. Good for the man in charge of this small business. Don might own the restaurant, but Copernicus owns the night.
Train Stop 6, a local musical duo, provide the entertainment year after year for this holiday. At this Copernicus celebration, they added a special guest performer to their Polish package. A high school talent, Jacob has been playing the accordion all across Johnstown for years. When I first met Jacob, the accordion appeared to be bigger than him, but even back then, he played a fierce accordion. I've heard him play in backyards, festivals, golf tournaments, and now for Copernicus. After his set, Jacob moved on to hustling people in pool. He is much bigger than the accordion now.
There was a lot of clapping, cheering, and general noise making long after Jacob exited the stage. Train Stop 6 urged the crowd to embrace their inner-Polish, no matter their ancestry. The maternal side of my family comes from strong Polish roots, so it was an easy embrace; however, after that soup, I ordered a burger and fries. After all, I am an American.
Cheers to Copernicus. Mark your calendars for February 2018.
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