The annual Hafford Polka Festival is held the second weekend in July in the Hafford Communiplex. The festival hosts great polka music provided by some well established local and prominent musicians.
The 16th annual event attracted in excess of 200 dancers who gathered for three days to dance, socialize and enjoy quality polka music. Polka festivals have become a popular event, creating a circuit throughout the spring, summer and autumn months.
It was not long before polka fans enthusiastically converged on the dance floor to show their old-time dance skills and steps. The musical lineup included Ralph's Rhythm Kings, the Ficor Show band and The Hamps, a local band.
2012 was the year that the wheelchair dance was incorporated into the polkafest. Members of the Hafford Nursing Home were in attendance. Most of the residents are confined to a wheelchair so, with the efforts and co-operation of many volunteers, the individuals in wheelchairs were escorted onto the dance floor for the first official wheelchair dance. It was a wonderful display of enthusiasm as volunteers kept beat to the music while the seated-participants grinned, tapped toes or clapped their hands.
"It was an enjoyable moment by all," commented Wanda Boyko, Hafford recreation board administrator, explaining the satisfaction received from just helping to put a smile on someone's face was fulfilling.
Food and refreshments were available throughout the weekend, provided by the Hafford & District Catering company.
Every year the polkafest gets bigger and better. Success is definitely rated by the number of RVs parked outside the building.
