Buffalo's Best Kielbasa contest returns April 16

Applications now open for homemade kielbasa entries 

After a two-year absence, Buffalo’s Best Kielbasa contest is back to crown the best homemade sausage makers in Western New York. The culinary showdown takes place at high noon on Saturday, April 16, at Flying Bison Brewing Co., kicking off the “Pils, Pierogi & Polka” event.

This year’s categories will be homemade only (no commercial) and are broken down accordingly:

√ Fresh traditional

√ Smoked traditional

√ Fresh holiday (with marjoram)

√ Smoked holiday (with marjoram)

√ Nontraditional

A panel of judges will pick the best in each category. Winners will receive a prize package, and all entrants will receive a pair of tickets for the “Pils, Pierogi & Polka” event featuring a performance by Those Idiots, food by Café Godot, and drinks by Flying Bison. Applications are available by emailing [email protected] or going to www.facebook.com/buffalobestkielbasa. Applications are due April 8.

"I am lucky to have travelled to Poland four times and experienced the food , culture, beer and, most importantly, the welcome of the Polish people. The Polonia experience here in Buffalo does the homeland proud,” co-organizer Tim Herzog of Flying Bison said. “To be part of Dyngus Day festivities here at Flying Bison brings fun that helps shake off the gray and cold of winter."

Co-organizer Roy Bakos of Café Godot added, "Buffalo is truly a city of immigrants, and being asked to help celebrate the culture and traditions of Poland – the land where my family came from – is wonderful, and I am honored to once again be part of the Best Kielbasa contest. Thanks to everyone in WNY for the support, and Na Zdrowie!"

Co-organizer Tod A. Kniazuk said, “As a proud member of Polonia and a longtime kielbasa contest judge, I’m thrilled to play a part in continuing this great event that highlights such an important family Easter tradition. Not to mention the fact I get to try so many family sausage recipes!”

Buffalo’s Best Kielbasa contest is presented by Flying Bison Brewing Co., Café Godot, and Kniazuk, with support from Fillmore District Common Council Member Mitch Nowakowski.