WHITING | It's the land of dancing dumplings, babushka-ed beauties and a two-topic Jeopardy.

It's Pierogi Fest and all the tongue-in-cheek fun that is part of the annual entertainment package rolls out beginning today in downtown Whiting.

Who would have thought that the festival, born from a breakfast conversation held years ago at Dimitri's Cake and Steak, would turn into a three-day bash whose notoriety - that's a kind description - would find its way to the likes of the Food Network, the Travel Channel or Oprah?

It's the 13th year for the festival, the 14th for the parade, chairman Tom Dabertin said.

To get things rolling, Mitch Markovitz, the artist behind the South Shore posters, will be at Central Avenue and 119th Street at 10:30 this morning to sign a giant version - almost two stories tall - of his Pierogi Fest poster.

Tonight's highlight is the Krakus Ham International Polka Parade down 119th Street and featuring Mr. Pierogi, the Babushka Brigade and the Precision Lawn Mower Drill Team.

The festival features more than 50 food booths and 75 arts and crafts vendors. There's a beer garden, a juried art show, a Mr. Pierogi songfest and three stages of live entertainment.

For those with a competitive nature, there is a pierogi toss and a pierogi-eating contest or Eastern Bloc Jeopardy, where there are only two subjects - Whiting-Robertsdale history or Eastern Bloc.

The toss is at 3 p.m. with the pierogi-eating contest at 3:30 on Sunday.

Festival hours are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.

For more information, visit the Web site: www.pierogifest.net.

Be sure to "Czech" it out.