With the arrival of the Pulaski Polka Days’ 35th anniversary, founder Harold Otto can reflect on the success of the festival that has brought countless visitors to the small town over the years.
“There are a lot of them (festivals) in Michigan and elsewhere that are not even running anymore, and we are still growing,” Otto said. “I thought, ‘Man, we are going to hit our peak,’ but it’s still going.”
The celebration began in 1978 when Otto came up with the idea as a fundraiser for the Wisconsin Orchestra Leaders and took on the roles of chairman and organizer for the event.
“I said let’s try it, we have got nothing to lose,” Otto said.
Otto said attendance has continued to increase since the very first Polka Days.
“We started at about 800 to 1,000 people,” Otto said. “Now it’s thousands of people. On a Thursday night, we hit 7,000-8,000 people alone. Just for the parade, we get between 25,000 and 35,000 people.”
Otto said that in addition to the many visitors from throughout the United States, visitors come from as far away as Sweden, Australia and New Zealand to enjoy the music and activities.
“That’s why it has grown and grown,” Otto said. “It’s nice when people come from New York or Virginia and say how nice it is to come to a town where everyone’s personality is nice, their hearts are open to the people and they thank you for coming.”
According to Otto, while the festival has remained close to its roots and draws in many visitors with the musical entertainment, the celebration has evolved into something that everyone can enjoy.
“When we first started out it was just music, but I said we had to get everyone involved,” Otto said. “So that is when we got more clubs, the Polka Trot, parade and dance contest.”
Pulaski Polka Days activities are great for the whole family, Otto said.
“We have got good people who work with us, including all of the clubs and volunteers that put on Polka Days,” Otto said. “It’s just a fun time and you can’t go wrong.”
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