Pulaski will see the return of Polka Days, one of the largest polka festivals in the Midwest, next weekend, July 17-20, at the Pulaski Polka Days Festival Grounds.
The festival, now in its 46th year, draws in thousands of polka lovers each year and recognizes multiple ethnic versions of the polka at one consolidated location, meaning attendees will be able to dance the Polish, German, Slovenian and Dutchman style all in the same place.
But what truly makes Polka Days special, Festival Promoter Renae Strassburg said, is the people who attend.
“It comes down to having a strong community,” she said. “Everybody is held to their traditions. When you go to a polka dance or a polka festival, and we go to several across the United States, you make a friend for life… It’s a lot of camaraderie. It’s fun being able to support your community with your friends.”
Of course, the programming is also a big draw for Polka Days.
This year, the festival will feature 22 of the nation’s top polka bands.
Out-of-state bands include The Beat, Polka Country Musicians, Frankie Liszka’s Blue Magic, Dynabrass, Polka Family, Twin City Sound, Live It Up and Craig Ebel’s Dyversaco.
Featured bands from Wisconsin include the Goodtime Dutchman, Polish Connection, Steve Burclaw’s New Polish Sound, Jerry Voelker Orch, Ryan Kautzer Band and the Music Connection and Pulaski’s own Maroszek Bros, Nu Tymes, The Natural Talent, Aaron Socha’s Livewire, The Mix, Zander, Music Raymakers, Chad Przybylski’s Polka Rhythms and New Generation.
And there’s no better way to enjoy all of that music than to get out and dance, Strassburg said.
“You need to make sure that you get out on the dance floor and try to dance,” she said. “Nobody’s going to judge you. Nobody cares. As long as you’re out there having fun, there’s really no wrong way to do a polka dance. We have people here that will help you and teach you… And when you’re done, have a pierogi.”
“It’s for everybody,” Strassburg said. “You’ll see young kids dancing with their grandparents and dancing with their aunts and uncles. It’s just a wide mix and everybody gets into it. We’ve got something for everybody.”
Thursday, July 17, will bring music from 4-11:30 p.m. as well as the crowning of the Pulaski Polka Queen and fireworks.
On Friday, July 18, music will start at 2 p.m. and continue through 12:30 a.m. with free dance lessons from 1:30-3 p.m.
Saturday, July 19, will have music running from 12 p.m.-12:30 a.m., a two-hour jam session with the World Concertina Congress starting at 12 p.m. and free dance lessons from 12:30-2 p.m.
Sunday, July 20, will kick off with a Pancakes and Porkies Breakfast from 8-11 a.m., catholic mass at 9:30 a.m. and the Pulaski Polka Days Parade kicking off at 11 a.m.
The parade will travel north on St. Augustine St. and then West on Pulaski St., right down to the Pulaski Polka Grounds.
This year’s parade marshals are Harold Otto and Jim Stachura (in memorium). Otto, a founding member, is recognized for his 46 years of dedication, his countless hours of effort and the pride he takes in being able to foster his love for polkas while being able to raise funds for his community.
Stachura is remembered for his many years of service to the community and the numerous hours he logged to help make Polka Days a continued success.
Admission to Polka Days is $5 on Thursday, $20 on Friday and Saturday and free on Sunday with funds raised going back to support the community.
“All of the profits raised at our festival are immersed back into the community through the collective efforts of our civics organizations,” Strassburg said. “We’ve purchased the jaws of life, we’ve purchased land for the fire department, we’ve done scholarships and we’ve helped improve our parks system… Everybody gets a little back.”
To learn more, check out pulaskipolkadays.com or visit the Pulaski Polka Days Facebook page.
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