Polynesian food and culture visits Polonia

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Published on Wednesday, June 20, 2018

Photos By Ken Waddell

The line up was long but the wait wasn’t as people quickly filed past the mountains of food at the Polonia supper.

By Ken Waddell

Neepawa Banner & Press

Polonia is a tiny community located in a valley part way to the top of  Riding Mountain. It boasts a fabulous view, steep forested hills, a few homes, a beautiful church and a fine community hall. On June 10, the Polonia hall was the setting for a community picnic and a fabulous supper, Polynesian style.

A group headed by Len Tardiff and Aleksio Tomoniko, arranged for a pit BBQ of a whole hog and dozens of roasted chickens that proved to be delicious. About 140 people attended and whiled away the afternoon visiting, watching the food being cooked and prepped. They also enjoyed a large display of products and artifacts from the island of Rotuma where Tomoniko and Mua Gordon were born and raised.

Everyone was encouraging a repeat performance for next year. People won’t have to wait that long for another event as several fall and early winter meal events are planned for this fall.

Above Left-A Polynesian supper means lots of fruit as shown in this table display

Above Right-Pat Graham demonstrates the proper use of a Polynesian war club with Irene Magwood as the intended “victim.” The club was part of the Polynesian display at the Polonia community supper.

Above- Aleksio Tomoniko (right) and his crew of helpers hoisted the roast whole hog from the fire pit just prior to carving it up for the many supper patrons.

Below-The Polonia School cairn outlines some of the history of Hun’s Valley (later Polonia). One of Polonia’s stores is across the road in the background.