Thaddeus Carroll, tcarroll@wolfrivermedia.com
Pulaski Polka Days draws thousands of people every year to a city with a population of just over 3,000. A surprisingly large number of the attendees are under 30, which gives Pulaski a flavor unlike any other polka festival, according to organizers, musicians and attendees.
“It’s polka’s version of Country USA. You’ve got people partying in the RVs,” said Jeff Maroszek, who plays in the band New Generation “The polka tradition hangs on a lot of the younger people.”
“I love the young people,” musician Chad Przybylski said. “They come and give a different take.”
Stacy Seelig, 21, of Shawano, has gone to the event for the last four years with her family. She will return again for this year’s fun, centered at the Polka Days Grounds and Zielinski’s Ballroom from July 16-19.
“The first time I came I loved it, and I said to myself, I don’t ever want to miss this again,” she said.
Like Seelig, many of the young people start coming to Polka Days with their families, but keep coming years after on their own.
“They have grown up with it, or they come with their friends and they just get hooked,” said Bruce Brzeczkowski, of the band Polka Dynamics.
Otto says the upbeat Polish style polka music plays a big role in bringing in the young people.
“It gets their feet hopping,” he said. “A lot of them are standing around the stage, and then all at once they are out there dancing.”
“I love watching everyone get out there and dance,” said festival regular Brooke Sperberg, 21, of Shawano.
“It’s something different,” said 21-year-old Scarlett Young, of Shawano, who goes to school in Milwaukee. “I can’t polka in Milwaukee.”
The music isn’t the only thing that brings people to Polka Days, which Seelig said is like no other polka festival.
“It’s a party atmosphere,” she said. “I’ve traveled to other polka events and they are usually a little more low key.”
There are also many attractions at the festival that don’t involve music, including an arts and crafts fair, 5K run, pancake breakfast and fireworks.
“There is something there for everyone. It’s not just for the 65 and overs,” said Joe Kind, the official Polka Days photographer and one of this year’s honorary grand marshals. “It really surprises people who are from outside the area, how many young people show up.”
Wes Adelbush, 21, of Shawano, is planning on going to Polka Days this year for the first time.
“The music, dancing, beer and pretty women are an added bonus,” he said.