A fun time is in store for the whole family at this year’s Pulaski Polka Days, with musical entertainment, reasonable prices and a variety of different attractions, says event chairman and organizer Harold Otto.
“We are reasonable so you can bring the family,” Otto said. “A lot of people enjoy coming and bringing their children. It’s just something for everyone.”
The festival opens July 18 and runs through July 21. This year, 22 bands will be featured, including nationally recognized bands such as Polka Family, The Boys from Baltimore and The New Brass Express. Local bands such as The Maroszek Brothers, Chad Przybylski and Carol & The Keynotes will also perform.
“Generally the music is what the people come for,” Otto said. “A lot of headliners are coming this year.”
The festival opens Thursday night with music and a fireworks show. Then the polka spirit continues with the 5K Polka Trot and a dance competition on Saturday that are open to anyone who wants to participate.
“You would be surprised because there are 5-, 6- and 7-year-olds out there dancing,” Otto said. “There is German, Slovenian, and Polish style music, and the Polish style is bringing the younger ones back out because it’s a little bit faster beat.”
Another popular event of the Polka Days is the parade, which will be held at 11 a.m. July 21. Lyle (Bob) Buckman and Harry Slezewski, both of the Pulaski area, are going to serve as grand marshals for the parade.
“We try to honor people that have contributed to the village of Pulaski,” said Wayne Wood, parade co-director, about the selection of Buckman and Slezewski. “That is what we have decided to do every year.”
The parade will feature a number of polka and marching bands, including the Onalaska Hilltoppers Marching Band. Other activities at the Polka Days include an arts and crafts fair, a porkie and pancake breakfast, polka worship services, a raffle with more than $2,000 in cash prizes, inflatable water-walkers, camping and more. Food and beverage stands will also be available throughout the festival at favorable prices, said Otto.
“We try to keep them (prices) down and keep it reasonable for the people that come,” Otto said.
Admission for the festival is $1 on Thursday, $10 on Friday and Saturday, and free on Sunday.
Sponsoring groups for the event include the Pulaski Lions Club, American Legion Post 337, Tri-County Optimists, Knights of Columbus, Pulaski AmVets, Pulaski FFA Alumni and FFA, Pulaski Tri-County Firefighters and Veterans of Foreign Wars.
A host of other clubs and volunteers help to make the Polka Days a fun and successful event for everyone involved, Otto said.
“A lot of times, I don’t even know what the count is of how many people are coming, but I just want to keep the show rolling,” Otto said.
Categories
