Pulaski Polka Days returns with 22 top bands and four polka styles

Pulaski Polka Days return July 16-19, bringing a lively celebration of music, culture, and community to Northeast Wisconsin. As one of the Midwest’s largest polka festivals, it draws thousands to enjoy varied styles — Polish, German, Slovenian and Dutchman — at the Festival Grounds, 419 E. Pulaski St.

Non-Polish styles will be featured in the KC Building, while Polish music plays under two tents.

Pulaski Polka Days will feature 22 of the nation’s top polka bands, including groups traveling from Connecticut, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Minnesota, along with many Wisconsin favorites.
Traveling to Wisconsin to perform are John Stevens Double Shot, Polka Country Musicians, Tony Blazonczyk’s New Phaze, Dynabrass, Polka Family, Twin City Soundz and Craig Ebel’s Dyversaco.

Featured bands from Wisconsin Copper Box, Mark Jirikovec Orchestra, GRD-Brueggen Family Band, Polish Connection, Steve Burclaw’s New Polish Sound, Cynor Classics and Music Connection.

Pulaski-area talent includes The Maroszek Bros, Nu Tymes, The Natural Talent, Aaron Socha’s Livewire, The Mix, Zander Music Raymakers, Chad Przybylski’s Polka Rhythms and The New Generation, with a pop-up performance from the newest band, Hometown Sound.
Thursday, July 16, will feature the crowning of the Pulaski Polka Queen and fireworks at dusk, presented by American Tradition Fireworks LLC and sponsored by Tri-County Optimist and Pulaski Polka Days Inc.

Friday, July 17, will feature music and dancing and free dance lessons.

Saturday, July 18, will feature a two-hour jam session with the World Concertina Congress and the Assumption B.V.M. Parish Craft and Vendor Fair.

Sunday, July 19, will feature free admission, a Pancake and Porkies breakfast and Catholic Mass with the Maroszek Bros, along with the Pulaski Polka Days Parade followed by live music and dancing at the festival grounds.

This year’s Grand Marshals of the Pulaski Polka Days Parade are Mark and Jennifer Heck, who are being honored for their longstanding dedication to the Pulaski community and the many ways they have served others — through the PACE program, teaching and coaching local youth, volunteering with the Lions Club and stepping up whenever help is needed.
“Mark and Jennifer embody the spirit of community service,” a Polka Days press release stated. “Through their generosity, leadership, and commitment to others, they have helped make Pulaski a stronger, more connected place to call home.”

Find more details about Pulaski Polka Days at pulaskipolkadays.com.