It was a great opportunity to exchange experiences and ideas and to explore Bolesławiec municipality. When the participants arrived in Kraśnik Dolny, a different world awaited them. The smell of grain, the sound of creaking boards and delicious yeast cake tempted them as soon as they crossed the gate. The guests looked around every corner with interest, encouraged to do so by their welcoming hosts.
Kraśnik Dolny – Village of Six Grains
Anetta Kamińska and Justyna Woś, wearing linen aprons and handmade wreaths on their heads, welcomed the guests and briefly told them what Twórcza Stodoła and Kraśnik Dolny are known for.
“Kraśnik Dolny is called the Village of Six Grains,” said Anetta Kamińska. “You will learn why grains in particular through our workshops, after completing the Explorers’ Expedition, viewing the beautiful wreath made this year by the harvest festival group and learning about the achievements of our residents,” the hostess promised.
The first cries of delight could be heard when the interior of Twórcza Stodoła came into view. To put the guests in the right mood, a contest was prepared in which they had to name the author and title of a quotation:
“(…) When God drove the sinner from the garden of paradise, He did not want man to die of hunger; And He ordered the angels to prepare grain, And scatter it in seeds along man’s path. Adam came, found it, looked at it from afar And went away, for he did not know what to do with grain. Then at night the wise devil came and said: Surely the Lord God did not scatter a handful of rye here in vain. There must be some hidden power in these seeds. Let us hide them before man discovers their worth. He made a furrow in the earth with his horn and filled it with rye, Spat on it and covered it with earth, and stamped it with his hoof. Proud and pleased that he had penetrated God’s intentions. He laughed and roared with all his might, and disappeared. Then in spring, to the devil’s great astonishment. Grass, flowers, ears and seed sprang up. Oh, you who come into the world with the dawn, call cunning reason and evil strength? Whoever finds faith and freedom and buries them, Thinks to deceive God, but deceives himself (…)”. (Part III of “Dziady” by Adam Mickiewicz)
After this introduction, the group had fresh-baked yeast cake, coffee and tea, and then split into two parts. One stayed at Twórcza Stodoła, where it took part in activities, while the other, after a short lecture about grains and learning about them, went on a quest around the village (a game involving guessing and finding hidden objects). Later, the groups switched roles. As a result of their creative work, beautiful, hand-decorated wooden hens and roosters were made and marked with the slogan “Kraśnik Dolny – Village of Six Grains”. Meanwhile, those who correctly counted the number forming the solution to the quest found a hidden chest with gifts.
After these attractions, everyone went to the Community House, where Bolesławiec municipality head Andrzej Dutkowski, his deputy Roman Jaworski and Kraśnik Dolny village head Wacław Gardyński were waiting for them. The indispensable ladies from the local Rural Housewives’ Circle prepared lunch for all the guests. It was so delicious that the ladies were rewarded with thunderous applause. After lunch came a tour of the building, which made a huge impression on the visitors. The Community House itself impressed with its functionality and spaciousness. In addition, a presentation of the Rural Housewives’ Circle members’ handicraft skills, photographs of municipal investments, a film showing the municipality from the air, an exhibition of wreath photographs made in the village over recent years and, finally, this year’s most popular harvest wreath were on display. All this prompted many questions, as well as words of appreciation.
Lipiany – Village of Flavours
After a commemorative photograph, the group, led by the municipality head, went to Lipiany, the “Village of Flavours”. Alicja Janiec, president of the Association of Active Women, was waiting for the guests and welcomed them with bread and salt. The loaf was presented to Anna Malinowska from the Marshal’s Office of the Lower Silesian Voivodeship.
The division into groups was maintained: some went on the Explorers’ Expedition, while others attended a pita-making workshop. Municipality head Andrzej Dutkowski also improved his culinary skills. Everyone made traditional apple pita, which was then put in the oven. Later, the groups exchanged tasks.
After a brief break from the culinary workshops and touring Lipiany, the hostesses invited everyone for sweet refreshments and linden tea, as well as a presentation about the Village of Flavour. The Association’s members eagerly talked about the idea of creating a themed village, showed the activities carried out under this banner and recalled their beginnings.
Since Lipiany is the Village of Flavours, it was time for another flavour, this time marzipan. The participants prepared decorations that could later be eaten. The workshop leaders showed how to make a magnificent marzipan rose, while ready-made moulds were prepared for those with less aptitude. The officials of Bolesławiec Municipality, led by Andrzej Dutkowski, showed the greatest creativity. They made marzipan models of a multifunctional sports field, a bread oven and a gazebo. The decorations were handed to Alicja Janiec.
When the visitors thought the attractions were over, the Song and Dance Ensemble of the Bolesławiec Land appeared in front of the community centre. The dancers and musicians presented a short artistic programme and then decided to teach the guests some steps, inviting them to dance together. Fortunately, the leaders of the Lower Silesian municipalities did not need much persuading, and a large part of the group danced together around a huge bonfire that was lit on the local sports field.
The study visit ended late in the evening. In addition to wonderful memories, handmade works and a few extra centimetres around their waists, the guests received small gifts from the municipality and personalised certificates reading “Not-So-Bad Pita Dough Stretchers”.