Hentkowski to serve as grand marshals of Posen Potato Festival parade
by Peter Jakey–Managing Editor
A couple with deep Polish roots as well as unwavering dedication to the Posen Potato Festival will be honored as grand marshals during this year’s annual celebration.
Jimmie and Mary Jane Hentkowski will be riding in an Amish buggy during Sunday’s grand festival parade that starts at 1 p.m. from the County League Field next to the Presque Isle County Road Commission garage in Posen.
“My wife Mary Jane and I are honored to be nominated as grand marshals for the 74th Posen Potato Festival,” said Jimmie.
“The recognition all goes to my wonderful husband, Jimmie, for all of his hard work,” said Mary Jane. “Spending endless hours on all the things that needed to be done before the festival.”
One of the most visible projects this year will be the new grandstand Jimmie was involved in building with Walter Kozdon that will be utilized during the kiddie parade festival Saturday, as well as the granddaddy, the next day.
“His dedication to the community and the Posen Chamber of Commerce (PCC) are beyond measure,” she continued.
Jimmie has been a dedicated, active member of the PCC since 2008. Just to mention some of the larger projects he spearheaded and was in charge of: bathroom and kitchenette in the PCC office; updated restrooms and bandstand in the polka pavilion, along with soundproofing the building and updating the food booths.
“This year, we just completed replacing almost 700 feet of fence and post in the bump and run, derby and campground area,” said Jimmie.
One of the largest projects took five years and that is the pictures and information regarding the Miss Posen queens, grand marshals and PCC presidents.
Jimmie was born in Rogers City, May 1947, graduated from Posen High School in 1967 and has lived most of his life in the Posen area with the exception of two years in the Army, including one year served in Vietnam. He also worked five years for Chrysler Corporation in Detroit. He started in the plumbing and heating trade in 1972.
Mary Jane’s parents came from Poland to Detroit in 1952 after World War II and had to have someone sponsor them to come to the United States.
“We only spoke the Polish language at home,” Mary Jane said. “The first time my parents visited Posen they said it reminded them of the old country in Poland where they were born.”
The two, appropriately enough, met at a polka dance in Utica, July 13, 1980. They even remember Little Wally and his orchestra and Marion Lush were the bands entertaining that night. Less than six months later, church bells chimed.
“Fell in love and I married my sweetheart, Dec. 31, 1980,” said Jimmie. Then, the move north to Posen.
“It most definitely was a big change coming from the city,” she explained.
In November 1981, Jimmie started Jim’s Plumbing and Heating. “I am now in my 54th year with plumbing, heating and boiler work,” he said.
“Polish heritage and traditions are very important in my life and I take great pride in them,” said Mary Jane. “My family, to this day, follow many of the Polish traditions.
“I enjoy tending to my flowers, gardening and reading. The most important of anything in my life is being with family and playing with my grandchildren.”
Jimmie and Mary Jane have two daughters, Katrina and Melanie, and a son Clark, and are blessed with grandchildren, Elizabeth, Grace and Clark.
“Can’t forget our two Chihuahuas, our companions, Lily and Sissy,” Mary Jane added. The dogs may go along for the ride in this weekend’s parade.
Jimmie, who is a lifetime member of Posen Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7804, wanted to get the message out that younger people need to start getting more involved in the PCC.
“It is time to pass the torch as most of our PCC board members are between 50 and 80,” he said. “If we don’t have some younger people step up to the plate and help, and possibly take over, the festival may end in a few years.
“Be proud of Posen and keep the potato festival going for many more years.”
And with that Mary Jane says, “Witamy Wszystkich,” welcoming everyone to Posen.
