Get ready now for a fun-filled weekend in Pulaski for the 46th annual Pulaski Polka Days, planned for July 17-20.
Ranked as one of the largest polka festivals in the Midwest, it draws thousands of polka lovers to the city each year.
Multiple ethnic versions of the polka will be recognized at one location – the Pulaski Polka Days Festival Grounds, 429 E. Pulaski St. Attendees can dance the Polish, German, Slovenian and Dutchman style polkas.
The KC building will be the host of the non-Polish styles, with the Polish style featured under the two tents.
The festival will feature 22 of the nation’s top polka bands. Traveling to Wisconsin to perform are The Beat (Connecticut), Polka Country Musicians (Connecticut), Frankie Liszka’s Blue Magic (Ohio), Dynabrass (Ohio), Polka Family (Pennsylvania), Twin City Sound (Minnesota), Live it Up (Minnesota) and Craig Ebel’s Dyversaco (Minnesota).
Featured bands from Wisconsin are the Goodtime Dutchman, Polish Connection, Steve Burclaw’s New Polish Sound, Jerry Voelker Orchestra, Ryan Kautzer Band and the Music Connection. Lastly, there are the Pulaski bands that include The Maroszek Bros, Nu Tymes, The Natural Talent, Aaron Socha’s Livewire, The Mix, Zander Music Raymakers and Chad Przybylski’s Polka Rhythms.
Be part of history as the New Generation will produce a live recording around 7 p.m. July 17 in Tent 2.
On July 17, admission will be $5 for ages 12 and older. The music will be from 4-11:30 p.m.
Don’t miss the crowning of the Pulaski Polka Queen. Email Kayla Adams at kla2148@gmail.com or call 920-619-2148 to enter or ask any questions. Fireworks will be held at dusk. The display is presented by American Tradition Fireworks LLC and sponsored by Tri-County Optimist and Pulaski Polka Days Inc.
Dance lessons and craft fair
Admission on July 18 is $20 with music and dancing starting at 2 p.m. and going until 12:30 a.m.
Free polka dance lessons will be offered in Tent 2 from 1:30-3 p.m. July 18 and from 12:30-2 p.m. July 19.
Several activities take place July 19. Admission is again $20 for the entire day. Music and dancing will be from noon to 12:30 a.m. The World Concertina Congress will start things off in the KC building with a two-hour jam session starting at noon. The WCC is extending an invitation for everyone to join in, just bring your Key of C concertina.
Pulaski Polka Days will once again partner with the Gardeners Club of Green Bay for the annual Garden Walk. For information, call Veronica Geurts at 920-471-8649.
The annual Assumption B.V.M. Parish craft and vendor fair will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. July 19-20. The craft fair extends along Pulaski Street from the church to the festival grounds. Direct questions to Erin Anker or Carrie Sievert by email at craftandvendor@abvm.org or by phone at 920-822-3279.
Parade and raffle winners
Enjoy free admission Sunday, as a way for the Pulaski Polka Days Committee and sponsoring organizations to show their appreciation to the community and surrounding area for its support of the event.
Festival grounds open at 8 a.m. with the pancake and porkies breakfast served until 11 a.m.
Celebrate a Catholic Mass with the Maroszek Bros in Tent 2 at 9:30 a.m. Bring your own lawn chair.
Stepping off at 11 a.m. sharp is the Pulaski Polka Days parade. Line-up is at the Pulaski Community Middle School and the Pulaski High School on St. Augustine Street.
The parade travels north on St. Augustine Street and then west on Pulaski Street to the Pulaski Polka Grounds.
This year’s parade marshals are Harold Otto and Jim Stachura (who died March 25). 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.
For parade registration, contact Mike Hughes at 920-655-6983 or email mhughesh59@gmail.com.
Dancing and live music continues at the festival grounds from 12:30-6 p.m.
The drawing for the festival raffle will be at 5 p.m., with more than $2,000 in cash to be awarded. Winners need not be present.
Free parking, live internet broadcasts, wooden dance floors, souvenirs, refreshments, children’s activities and Polish and American food area featured all weekend.
A limited number of campsites are available. There is a strictly enforced, two-night minimum. Email Nora Scray with any questions at polkacamp@yahoo.com.
While in Pulaski, check out the Pulaski Museum located in downtown Pulaski. It will hold special hours July 19 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
All proceeds from Pulaski Polka Days are contributed back into the community through the following nonprofit organizations: American Legion Post No. 337, American Legion Auxiliary No. 337, Tri-County Optimist Club, Pulaski Lions Club, Knights of Columbus, Pulaski FFA Alumni & FFA, BSA Scout Troop 1468/6468 and the Pulaski VFW.
For information on Pulaski Polka Days, write to P.O. Box 268, Pulaski WI 54162; call Mike Drzewiecki at 920-819-1168, or Kevin or Renae Strassburg at 920-619-0993; email info@pulaskipolkadays.com; visit pulaskipolkadays.com or visit the Pulaski Polka Days Facebook page.
Make plans to attend 46th annual Pulaski Polka Days
