NT Watch announces Polish businesswoman Ania Duchon as 2024 NT Dyngus Day Parade grand marshal

Submitted by North Tonawanda Neighborhood Watch

The North Tonawanda Neighborhood Watch’s Dyngus Day committee announces the selection of Ania Duchon as the grand marshal for the fourth annual North Tonawanda Dyngus Day Parade.

Duchon, who immigrated to the U.S. in the late 1980s, will hold the distinction of being both the first Polish-born individual and woman to lead the parade down the historic Oliver Street.

“I’m excited to serve as this year’s grand marshal,” Duchon said.

She took over the family business in 2010. Under her leadership, it expanded to a second location and began diversifying offerings. She launched Simply Pierogi, later becoming the official pierogi of the Buffalo Sabres.

Duchon extended gratitude to the parade committee for selecting her for this year’s event.

“North Tonawanda, along with WNY, takes immense pride in its significant Polish heritage,” she said. “And that pride perpetuates through generations within our community.”

In 2020, the business consolidated ventures into one location in Clarence, featuring Chrusciki Bakery, Simply Pierogi Polish Kitchen, and Sto Lat Bar. Additionally, Duchon also owns Pierogi Pete’s on Transit Road. Alongside managing her businesses, Duchon hosts her own program, “Sto Lat with Ania,” on WBBZ-TV on Sunday nights, where she discusses local cuisine.

“Ania seemed like the perfect fit for this year’s event,” NT Watch Chairman Joe Marranca said. “She has made significant contributions to WNY’s ‘polinia,’ and we are delighted that she can continue to do so as our first Polish-born and female grand marshal. Ania will undoubtedly make us proud.”

He added, “We are excited about the parade's continued growth each year, and we appreciate the support of the community, our volunteers, and our sponsors, who all ultimately contribute to the success of this event.”

Photographs of last year’s North Tonawanda Dyngus Day Parade. (Submitted by the North Tonawanda Neighborhood Watch)

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This year’s corporate sponsors include Fallon Health Weinberg, Greenlight Networks, Rajczak Enterprises, WBBZ-TV and Wardynski’s Meats.

The event is scheduled for Monday, April 1. The parade starts promptly at 5 p.m. and follows the same route as last year, commencing at Buffalo Bolt Way off Oliver Street. It will proceed down Oliver Street and conclude at the post-parade party located at the North Tonawanda Farmers’ Market, voted last year as the No. 1 farmers market in the entire U.S.

The post-parade party is the largest free event to attend in the area. It features live polka music by Captain Tom and the Hooligans, along with authentic Polish food and drinks available for purchase.

Organizations or individuals interested in registering to march in the parade, can visit www.ntdyngusday.com. The official 2024 NT Dyngus Day T-Shirt is available for purchase by visiting www.brandingbuffalo.com.

The nonprofit WNY Association of Blind Athletes (WNYABA) will benefit from a portion of the proceeds from this year’s event, including the pre-party at Fattey Beer on the night of Saturday, March 30. One dollar of every draft beer purchased will be donated to WNYABA programming for athletes with impaired vision.

The North Tonawanda Neighborhood Watch is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that consists of citizens, business owners and city officials, all with the goal of addressing quality-of-life issues and concerns within the city. In addition, the organization also frequently promotes and supports the history, culture, attractions and youth in North Tonawanda.