Fans of polka music and dancing filled the auditorium of the Prince of Wales Centre in Assiniboia for the 15th annual Polka Fest on July 14-15. Over 100 people attended the event with the busiest times being the evenings. Over the two days couples swirled effortlessly across the dance floor as two different sets of performers played the musical accompaniment.
The Leon Ochs band was a duo who performed mostly cover hits from the Old Time genre and the popular country classics. The multi-talented Len Gadica provided classic Polka tunes on his accordion, keyboard and other instruments.
Each band had their own slightly different style and repertoire to suit all musical tastes. The two alternated every hour, providing for non-stop dancing.
There was a rhythmic movement of dancers to the dance floor and back to their seats at tables as each song slipped smoothly into the next. But the dance floor was always full. Many of those attending were followers of the polka circuit and polka fans from other locales. But there were also some local attendees and a few newcomers. The loyal polka dancers came prepared for the weekend.
The Polka Fest is also one of those few activities for couples of all ages to participate in equally and strengthen bonds. As some of the dancers explained, they can get dressed up, get some exercise and enjoy the music that lifts their spirits. For others, it is a chance to travel and visit new locations. The Polka Fest also has brought an economic benefit to Assiniboia. The event attracted hundreds of visitors who stayed in town for several days. In addition to dancing, they had an opportunity to shop locally, visit the art gallery, museum, parks and other facilities. This year, the polka participants had an added treat to take in while in town. The Canadian Coasters were on their coast-to-coast tour with vintage cars to celebrate Canada150 and made a stop in Assiniboia.
This year, there are 13 polka festivals taking place across Western Canada for the polka season, which started in April and will end in October.
