🥟 How did Dyngus Day get this big?

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Long before they get an answer to the question of the day – Uh, what’s a Dyngus? – they’re already diving into the party.

Roll out the piwo, pierogi and polkas… It’s Dyngus Day and everyone is Polish for this celebration of revelry.

At 10 a.m. today, the 16th installment of the street party and parade will bring more than 45,000 revelers to Gordon Square.

It boasts two stages, polka bands, a Miss Dyngus Day pageant and a pierogi-eating contest. Info.

The bash is also being celebrated around the city. (Check out 216 Rundown below.)

So, how did Dyngus Day go from being virtually unknown to a cultural phenomenon?

Since the 1960s, it was a modest but spirited get-together in Buffalo.

It gathered steam when DJ Kishka and Dyngus emcee -- aka Justin Gorski -- was invited to perform there.

Happy Dog owners Sean Watterson and the late Sean Kilbane, and former Park View Tavern owner Norm Plonski tagged along and beer light went off in their collective mind.

Cleveland?

Its 2011 debut attracted a few hundred revelers of all stripes itching to party after a month of fasting and a season of cold weather that.

A cult of Polish indulgence was born. Na zdrowie!

Be proud, Cleveland.

Artemis 2’s orbiting of the moon today is a victory for NASA Glenn, which played keys roles in the functionality, propulsion and communications systems of the mission.

But it might be short-lived with the Trump Administration prioritizing Iran over the moon.

The war has emboldened its’ push for massive increases in defense spending -- 44% higher to $1.5 trillion for fiscal year 2027.

Now the bad news…

To offset the ballooning Pentagon budget, the administration eyes steep cuts elsewhere that would kill 550 jobs at NASA Glenn (roughly 40% cut in workforce).

Beyond NASA, the 10% cut in non-defense would slash spending on health research, housing, education and agriculture (which is already hurting from a 40% jump in fertilizer prices due to the war).

The business of war…

Ohio ranks 18^th in the country in defense spending, which sounds better than it is – considering it’s the 7^th biggest state.

Defense spending accounted for just 1.3% of Ohio’s GDP (35th among states) and $995 per resident (well below the national average of $1,819.

We’ll be doing a special edition deep-dive into the business of war – and its impact on Ohio and Cleveland. Subscribe here.

Downtown has a mixed track record when it comes to Indian cuisine – several openings over the years and almost as many closings.

Paradise Indian Cuisine is looking to set it straight.

The fourth location of the local chain – it also has places in Aurora, Mayfield and Parma – celebrated its grand opening on Thursday in the old home of IC Fitness on Chester Avenue.

Known for its authentic takes on Indian staples, including an assortment of biryani.

It also rolls out a street food menu, with items like Vada pav -- a popular, vegetarian Indian street food from Mumbai, often called the "Indian burger."

Many Indian spots that have opened – and closed – have focused on buffet lunches and full-on dinners.

Paradise will tap into downtown students and evening partyers, with to-go offerings and servings until 1 a.m. The serve should serve the city well, with so few late-night options downtown.

Śmigus-Dyngus… Here are seven places where everyone’s Polish on this day of revelry – and too much of a good thing is just enough for Cleveland.

Happy Dog: The bar is the epicenter of Gordon Square festivities and opens at 10 a.m. Info.

Parkview Nite Club: The classic spot whose owner Norm Plonski helped bring Dyngus Day to Cleveland opens early and features music by Northcoast Mix. 10 a.m. Info.

PVA Post #1: The old-school Polish Veterans Alliance gets rolling early and goes all day, with music, food and an area of beers. 10 a.m. Info.

Great Lakes Brewing: Frank Moravcik Band kicks off the party at 11 a.m. Polish-themed menu and beers. Info.

Terrestrial Brewing: The marathon runs 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and features themed food and drinks, and tunes by Die Ünprönöüncëäblës. Info.

Forest City Brewery: The Tremont beer-garden party features Polish brewskis and food, and polka by Ed Klimczak Band and Frank Moravcik Band. Noon. Info.

Inn Between: The Royalton bar-restaurant is partying with a kielbasa-and-cabbage buffet and polka by the Royal-Tones. 4 p.m. Info.

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High rollers have been known to post photos of their seats and view of the field at baseball games. How long before they start posting shots of their parking spots?

Guardians’ fans attending Friday’s home opener were shocked to find that a premium parking space cost as much as club seat… $80.

No crazy rise in parking for downtown sporting events follows national trends – and is the result of price gouging by private lot operators and city policies that limit or raise the price of street parking.

Friday’s home opener was the first since the city of Cleveland implemented its new downtown parking policy.

It cost 20 cents to park in downtown, at East Ninth and Sumner, in the 1920 — the equivalent of $4 today.

Ooh and don’t forget! Tag @The216Scoop on Facebook & @scoopcle on Instagram to get your photos in the Scoop!

49 °F 🌡️ 30 °F | 🌧️➡️🌨️ (Rain to Snow Showers) | 50% | 💨 ↑ ≈ 15 mph (≈ 13 knots)

35 °F 🌡️ 28 °F | 🌨️ (Scattered Snow Showers) | 50% | 💨 ↑ ≈ 15 mph (≈ 13 knots)

60 °F 🌡️ 51 °F | 🌤️ (Partly Sunny / Warmer) | 15% | 💨 ↑ ≈ 12 mph (≈ 10 knots)

_{Please note that weather conditions can change rapidly. For the most up-to-date information, consider checking a reliable local weather service.}

Away vs. Grizzlies, 8:00 PM April 6 (Monday)

Home vs. Hawks, 7:00 PM April 8 (Wednesday)

Away vs. Hawks, 7:00 PM April 10 (Friday)

Home vs. Wizards, 6:00 PM April 12 (Sunday)

Home vs. Royals, 6:10 PM April 6 (Monday)

Home vs. Royals, 6:10 PM April 7 (Tuesday)

Home vs. Royals, 1:10 PM April 8 (Wednesday)

Away vs. Braves, 7:15 PM April 10 (Friday)

Away vs. Braves, 7:15 PM April 11 (Saturday)

Away vs. Braves, 7:20 PM April 12 (Sunday)

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