In 1971, at the young age of 13, Gene Maroszek began taking concertina lessons in the basement of Art Wielgus’s home in Pulaski. In December 1972, he booked his first job with his brother Michael, who played the drums, for a New Year’s Eve dance at the South Chase Tavern. That is when the “Maroszek Bros.” were born.

Thursday, July 18 $5 admission, gates open at 4 p.m Tent 1 5:30-6:30 p.m. Chad Przybylski & Polka Rhythms 6:30-7:30 p.m. Aaron Socha Livewire 7:30-8:30 p.m. Chad Przybylski & Polka Rhythms 8:30-9:30 p.m. Aaron Socha Livewire 9:30-10:30 p.m. Chad Przybylski & Polka Rhythms 10:30-11:30 p.m. Aaron Socha Livewire Tent 2 5-6 p.m. The New Generation 6-7 p.m. Maroszek Brothers 7-8 p.m. The New Generation 8-9 p.m. Maroszek Brothers 9-10 p.m.

Think back to your days in elementary school, and you might recall hearing somewhere along the way that the robin is Wisconsin’s state bird, the muskie is the state fish, the white-tail deer is the state wildlife animal and the dairy cow is the state domesticated animal. But the state dance? The polka was designated as the state dance in 1993. The legislation was introduced at the request of a second grade class from Charles Lindbergh Elementary

Join the World Concertina Congress for a concertina jam session during Pulaski Polka Days. All concertina players and other musicians are invited. Building on the success of the World Concertina Congress’ (WCC) events at previous Pulaski Polka Days, the WCC is extending an invitation for all to join them for a fun-filled concertina jam session. The event will be held from noon to 2 p.m.

The Gardeners Club of Green Bay will host its second annual garden walk from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. July 20. There are six gardens on this year’s walk. Tickets are $15 in advance or $20 the day of the walk. Payment can only be made with cash or checks.

The annual Assumption B.V.M. Parish fundraiser craft and vendor fair, held in conjunction with the Pulaski Polka Days, will be held July 20-21. This two-day event will be open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day. Questions can be directed to Kathy Samson, craft and vendor fair coordinator, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays at 920-822-3279. She can also be reached at kathy.samson@abvm.org.

Pulaski Polka Days will again hold a cash raffle throughout the weekend of the festival. Tickets are available from members of the six organizations that are part of Pulaski Polka Days Inc. and will be sold at the polka grounds daily. First prize is $1,000. Other prizes are $500 for second, $200 for third, $100 for fourth and fifth, $50 for sixth and seventh, and $25 for eighth and ninth. The drawing will be held at 5 p.m. July 21.

One of the largest annual attractions of Pulaski Polka Days is the parade, which begins at 11 a.m. July 21. Units will line up at the Pulaski Community Middle School and the Pulaski High School on St. Augustine Street. Units must be at the line-up site by 10:30 a.m. Parade until will travel north on St.