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 School in Madison and supported by several groups — including the Wisconsin Polka Boosters Inc. and the Wisconsin Folk Museum. Supporters documented the polka heritage of Wisconsin and provided evidence that the polka is deeply ingrained in Wisconsin cultural traditions.
So, what would it look like if you attended Pulaski Polka Days but didn’t know how to dance the polka?
No need to worry. Learn to dance the polka with instructors Duane and Robin Wilks from Omaha, Nebraska.
Free lessons will be offered from 1:30-3 p.m. July 19 in Tent 2 at the Pulaski Polka Days Grounds at Pulaski Community Park, 429 E. Pulaski St.
If you can’t make that time, stop in from noon to 1:30 p.m. July 20, also in Tent 2.
The bands for each session have yet to be announced.
And, what about those other state symbols?
1. Animal?
2. Beverage?
3. Song?
4. Motto?
5. Fossil?
6. Dog?
7. Mineral?
8. Rock?
9. Soil?
10. Insect?
11. Flower?
12. Fruit?
13. Grain?
14. Tree?
15. Symbol of peace?
16. Tartan?
17. Dairy product?
18. Pastry?
Here are the answers.
1. Badger
2. Milk
3. “On Wisconsin!”
4. Forward
5. Trilobite
6. American water spaniel
7. Galena (lead sulphide)
8. Red granite
9. Antigo silt loam
10. Honeybee
11. Wood violet
12. Cranberry
13. Corn
14. Sugar maple
15. Mourning dove
16. Wisconsin tartan
17. Cheese
18. Kringle
