Texas Polka News -Spring/Summer Fest Guide March 2016 Volume 1 | Isssue 1 INSIDE Texas Polka News THIS ISSUE 2 Bohemian Princess Diary Theresa Cernoch Parker Spring has sprung
Happy 50th 3 Harris County Czech Spring Fest Anniversary 4-5 Featured Story National Polka Festival Na Zdravi' National Polka Fest Story on Page 4 6-7 Tomball Germanfest 8-9 Slavnost "May Fest" @ Texas Czech Heritage Cultural Center 10-11 Anhalt Cajun Fest, Schulenburg Festival 12-13 Church Picnic Dates Brought to You by Janak's Country Market
14-15 Moravia Fest, Beckster Fest 16-17 Brenham Maifest, Fredericksburg Cajun Fest 18-19 Muenster Germanfest 20-21 Anhalt Maifest, Ocean Beach Park Polka Days
22-23 Bremond Polish Days
Spring/Summer Fest Guide Page 2 Texas Polka News - Spring/Summer Fest Guide 2016 will celebrate its 50th anniversary Bohemian Princess this year. Read more about the Texas Polka News Staff Diary history of this festival and how Theresa Cernoch Parker, Publisher they plan to do it up big for the Gary E. McKee, Editor/Photo Journalist 50th on Memorial Day weekend on Jeff Brosch, Artist/Graphic Designer pages 4 and 5. Contributors: Julie Ardery Mark Hiebert Alec Seegers So many festivals. That's the Louise Barcak Julie Matus Will Seegers purpose of this guide. Similiar to Bill Bishop Earline Berger Okruhlik Karen Williams our Oktoberfest Guide published Lauren Haase John Roberts in August, this guide will help you plan your spring and summer Contact By Theresa Cernoch Parker weekends. And as much as I love Theresa Parker, Texas Polka News Texas, there are some great festivals P.O. Box 800183 • Houston, TX 77280 to explore elsewhere, such as 281-836-5362 I love this time of year. I can [email protected] | Gary: [email protected] remember every Easter was when I Beckster Fest in Amana, Iowa, and got a new dress, shoes, lacy socks, Ocean Beach Park Polka Days in and sometimes purse, hat, and New London, Connecticut. Learn Ads/Media gloves (yes, gloves). Everything more about these festivals on pages Articles, ads, letters to the editor deadline: 1st of the month for the next month outside was waking up from 15 and 21. winter. That season in Houston Ad Rates 1/3 page: $170 1/8: $55 Full page: $455 1/4 page: $115 1/16: $35 usually meant cold, gray days of CHURCH PICNIC POLKA! 1/2 page: $255 3/16 page: $75 drizzling rain. And sometimes on The arrival of spring also begins Discounts available for multiple runs. Easter, we'd have just one more the church picnic season in Texas. I Combo deals available for ads in TPN and polkabeat.com. push of cold air, and I'd have to am proud to announce that Janak's Contact Theresa Parker for information. cover up my new spring dress with Country Market just outside the winter coat I was hoping never Hallettsville will be sponsoring a On The Cover to see again. listing of church picnics in each Mark Hiebert captured this image of the National Polka Festival King issue of Texas Polka News from and Queen Mike and Deborah Logue on February 7, 2016, before SPRING INTO FUN March through September. As we the Super Bowl Polka Party fundraiser for the International Polka Leave it to the Germans to create learn more about what each parish Association Hall of Fame at Lodge 88 in Houston. another reason to celebrate and has planned for its picnic or bazaar, we'll fill in the details on the listing. voilà, you have Maifest - the arrival Chances are good that the About Texas Polka News of spring. Maifest is still celebrated church picnic you attend will The Texas Polka News was started by Julius resumed publishing in September 2014. throughout Germany and other Tupa of Houston in 1987 with the mission In addition to polka, the paper covers feature sausage and/or stew meat to preserve and promote polka music and other dance hall music including Country, European countries with the provided by the Janak Family. Or, maibaum (maypole) decorated to dance. When Julius passed away in 2002, Western Swing, and Cajun, and celebrates as you're traveling this summer, his wife, Marie, continued as publisher, live music, such as Opry, across the state. show off the history and crafts of make a point to stop by Janak's and his friend, John Rivard, took the reins Theresa also founded polkabeat.com in the town. Country Market for lunch and as volunteer editor. John stepped down as 2010 to honor the memory of her dad, It's also celebrated in German editor in June 2014, and Marie sold the Willie “Bill” Cernoch, to promote polka take home some of their smoked paper to Theresa Cernoch Parker, who music and heritage. communities across the United sausage, meat, and other goodies. States, and Texas has two of the See page 12 to find out more about Get/Give The Texas Polka News oldest festivals in the country - the market. Maifest in Brenham, celebrating And what's a festival or church Continue the polka tradition! Give your children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, its 126th annual festival this year, nieces and nephews a subscription to Texas Polka News. We’ll extend your current TPN picnic without live music and subscription one month for each subscription you designate as a family gift. Published and Maifest in Anhalt, celebrating dancing. Attending the events monthly. One year (12 issues) for $25. its 141st. You can read more about featured in this guide presents the Clip this out & mail check for $25 (outside U.S. $40) to The Texas Polka News these festivals on pages 16 and 20. P.O. Box 800183 Houston, TX 77280. Or click on the TPN link on polkabeat.com to best in German, Czech, Polish, subscribe or renew online with a credit card. There are many more spring Cajun, and Texas country music festivals that may not carry the artists. Name ______name Maifest, but still celebrate TheTexas Polka News and Street ______warm weather, blooming trees and polkabeat staff will do its best to City ______ST ______Zip ______flowers, and ethnic heritage. Case cover as many of these events as Ph ______Email______in point is our cover story. The possible. See you at a festival soon! National Polka Festival in Ennis Polka On! ❏ New ❏ Renewal ❏ Gift ❏ Address change (include old address) Texas Polka News -Spring/Summer Fest Guide March 2016 Page 3 SHOPPING CZECH STYLE favorite contestant. Make It a Dobre Den Several vendors will set up shop at Admission for the day is only at Spring Fest the festival to sell their artwork and $8, and children, 11 years old and crafts, and be sure to stop by the younger are admitted free. Country Store to purchase kolaches Proceeds from the event benefit Celebrate All Things and other Czech pastries, home the Czech Heritage Society of Harris Czech at 21st Annual canned goods, and bread. County Library and Archives. You'll also have a choice of more Event in Houston than 100 items to bid on in the silent 21ST CZECH SPRING FEST auction. Don't eat too much dinner, The Czech Heritage Society of Harris Sunday, April 3, 2016 County plans to turn the Chandelier so you can participate in the Ballroom at SPJST Lodge 88 into a Kolache-Eating Contest, or you can SPJST Lodge 88 / Houston family fun day at the 21st Annual just make plans to cheer on your 713-349-0500 / CzechHeritage.org Czech Spring Fest on Sun., April 3. Enjoy music by Kovanda's Czech Band from 11 am to 2 pm, and Mark 21st Annual Halata & Texavia from 3-6 pm. A traditional Czech dinner will be served from 11 am to 2 pm, and soup, sausage, and sauerkraut will be Czech available starting at 1 pm. Jaro Rod will demonstrate the unique art of weaving jewelry. TEXAS WELCOME FOR GUEST ARTIST necklaces, are based on archaeological SpringFest One of the highlights each year at pictorials and feature characteristic the festival is a guest artist from the detail and exaggerated humor. All Sunday Czech homeland. This year, the society objects are created by braiding copper welcomes Jaroslav Rod from Dubnica wire to design one-of-a kind items. April 3, 2016 - 11am-6pm nad Vahom, Slovensko Republic. "Jaro, can and will, braid any SPJST LODGE 88 HALL During their many years of working ceramic vessel or eggs you wish to have 1435 Beall St. | Houston, Texas in the traditional craft of “Drotarska,” decorated," said Jean Rayhill, Society Jaro and his wife, Marcella, have President. "His craft is a hidden art of developed and designed numerous imagination, dexterity, patience, and KOVANDA’S Czech Band items based on the folk craft of wire emotion. Jaro and Marcella enjoy their 11am to 2pm weaving. travels throughout Central Europe Many of the items, including demonstrating their talent. They are MARK HALATA & Texavia earrings, bracelets, rings, and very excited to meet the people of Texas!" 3pm to 6pm Guest Artist - Jaroslav Rod, Drator From Dubnica nad Vahom, Slovensko Republic Demonstrating the Art of Weaving Jewelry and other Art Forms Traditional Czech Sunday Dinner Served from 11am to 2pm Adults $10 (Children under 11 $7) • Country Store selling Kolaches, Czech Pastries, Home Canned Goods, and Bread • Silent Auction with over 100 Items to Bid on • Kolache-Eating Contest • Several Vendors selling their Artwork and Crafts Admission - Adults $8.00 (Children under 11 Free) Sponsored by the Czech Heritage Society of Texas Harris County Chapter | 501 © (3) nonprofit organization Dancers from West (L-R) Holly Soukup, Truett Scott, Shelby Goff, and Chris Maler, performed at For more information: 713-349-0500 email: [email protected] last year's Spring Fest./Parker photo Page 4 Texas Polka News - Spring/Summer Fest Guide 2016 featuring polka music by the Na Zdraví National Mark Jirikovec Orchestra from Polka Festival Wisconsin. The festival will celebrate 30 years of the King and Queen Dance Contest with an Celebrating Czech All-Star contest at 8 pm featuring Heritage for 50 Years past winners. At 9 pm, couples will compete for the 2016 King and The National Polka Festival® in Queen title. Ennis, Texas invites everyone to The dance contest was started come help celebrate 50 wonderful 30 years ago by Ennis natives years of Czech heritage festivities Johnnie I. and Margaret Krajca, Michelle Zapletal Slovak (L) and Danny Zapletal (R) presented an award to Margaret and Johnnie Friday through Sunday, May 27-29, and has proved to be one of the I Krajca in 2014 thanking them for starting the King and Queen Dance Contest./Parker photo 2016. Held annually on Memorial most popular features of the Day Weekend, the National Polka festival. Festival offers an abundance At 10 am Saturday, floats, of activities to be enjoyed by bands, and colorful costumes will the entire family in a small city kick off the downtown festivities. atmosphere. The parade traditionally includes For the last five years, something for visitors of all ages. polkabeat.com has been proud to "Enjoy the music of our polka sponsor the Thursday night festival bands riding on decorated floats or pre-party. "It's a great way to get the the sounds of our award-winning party started," said Danny Zapletal, Ennis High School Marching NPF executive director. Danny Band. The Shriners make their also leads Czech & Then Some, the annual appearance, as well as featured band at the pre-party. This the newly crowned king and year's party is from 7:30-11:30 pm queen, celebrities, public officials, at the KJT Bar. "There's no cover motorcycles, horseback riders, charge. Just plenty of great music, clowns, and more," Danny said. cold beer, and fun Polka On! door On Sunday another festival Always a crowd when Brave Combo is in the house./Gary E. McKee photo prizes," Danny said. tradition continues as Danny will broadcast his Polka Party Show on KBEC (Waxahachie) from 9-11 am. For more than 48 years Johnnie I. Krajca hosted the show and started the live broadcast at the first NPF in 1967. The festival committee worked with Johnnie to bring the live broadcast back to the festival in 2005. Danny has continued the tradition with the KBEC Polka Party and will feature Mark Great Czech food!/Parker photo Vyhlidal and his Orchestra from Freemont, Nebraska at the KJT traditions, religious customs, Hall for this year's broadcast. dancing, tastes, sights, sounds, and Also on Sunday, the "a little bit of the Czech Lands" Pat Zapletal won a Polka On! door prize at Czechaholics will provide the throughout historic downtown last year's pre-party./Parker photo music for a Polka Mass at 10 am in and at the three spacious air- 30 YEARS OF KINGS AND the KC Hall. conditioned halls (KJT, Knights of Wear your kroj or buy one at the fest./Parker photo Columbus, and Sokol Halls). Enjoy QUEENS SOAK UP CZECH CULTURE a weekend of polka dancing, Czech winning Brave Combo. The festival kicks off with an The National Polka Festival gives foods, and 19 sensational polka One daily admission includes opening dance Friday at 7 pm, you the chance to experience Czech bands including Grammy-award all three halls: Friday - $8; Saturday Texas Polka News -Spring/Summer Fest Guide March 2016 Page 5 "Our festival continues in tradition and style similar to those early celebrations," said NPF Executive Director Danny Zapletal, whose father, Raymond, was one of the founders. "The founders and their successors have insisted on maintaining the authenticity and values of the Czech tradition even today. All entries of the parade, street dancing, and bands performing must have Czech themes and play Czech music. The festival has taken years of work from the Polka Festival Committee, Chamber of Commerce, and the Ennis Convention & Visitors began as an Bureau," he said. idea. Raymond "But thanks to the work of Zapletal, Len these teams, this festival today is Gehrig, and one of the largest of its kind in the Joe Liska of United States attracting as many as Ennis had visited other 50,000 people, while maintaining cities and the feel of 'a little bit of old Scenes from past festivals, including the had seen the Czechoslovakia'." Zapletal family in the 1968 parade above. large response Polka On! Pre-Party @ KJT Bar to polka 7:30-11:30 pm / Music by Czech & Then Some bands from Sponsored by polkabeat.com & Texas Polka News the people Friday Saturday Sunday - $15; Sunday - $10. Another of Czech descent. They believed KJT Mark Jirikovec Orchestra Texas Sound Check Live Broadcast: KBEC people could be brought to their 1216 S. Paris St. 7-11:30P Fritz Hodde/Fab 6 Polka Party popular attraction in the last few All-Star King & Queen 11:30A-4P Mark Vyhidal Orchestra years is a country concert held small town of Ennis for the same Dance Contest (Past Horseshoe Tournament 9-11A reason. So in 1967, the trio brought winners) 8P Noon Vyhidal Orchestra at Sokol Hall on Saturday night. 2016 Dance Contest 9P Jodie Mikula Orchestra 12-4P Admission to this event is separate the idea to Chamber of Commerce Texas Dutchmen Manager Jack McKay. Jack agreed 4-8:30P from the polka fest admission. Brave Combo The festival committee is working the festival could greatly benefit 9P-12A on booking a band for this year's Ennis and the Czech community in the area, and one of the largest Sokol Jerry Haisler/Melody 5 Czechaholics concert. The concert has always 2622 E. Hwy. 34 The Travelers Happy Players featured some of Texas' favorite polka festivals in the country was 11:30A-3:30P 12-4P Dujka Brothers country artists, including the born. Mark Vyhlidal Orchestra Bellamy Brothers last year. Raymond, Len, and Joe agreed 3:30-7:30P Country Concert, Band No need to drive from venue to take care of getting the bands TBA 9P-12:30A to venue. You can ride the free for Ennis' fraternal halls and KC The Moravians Polka Mass 850 S. IH 45 Mark Halata/Texavia 10-11:30A shuttle buses from the motels the Chamber agreed in turn to 11:30A-4P Czech & Then Some to downtown and to all of the organize the parade and downtown Praha Brothers 4:30-8P Mark Jirikovec Orchestra Brave Combo fraternal halls. festivities. Within three years the 4-8:30P 8:30-11:30P festival was a raging success with Ennis Czech Boys as many as 30,000 people attending Happy Players HOW IT ALL STARTED 9P-12A from all over the country to enjoy Downtown Parade 10A Street Dance: Holub The beginning of the National Street Dance: Czechaholics Polka Band 12-4P music, food, and entertainment at Happy Players 12:30-4P Polka Festival in Ennis, Texas the halls. Kolache Eating Contest 1P
Page 6 Texas Polka News - Spring/Summer Fest Guide 2016 A Texas-German Celebration pm Friday with street vendors Celebrate German and performances. Festivities on Heritage in Tomball Saturday begin with the “tapping of the keg” and Willkommen Tomball Beginning with one oompah band ceremony for German exchange on a flat-bed trailer 16 years ago the students and Tomball host families, German Tomball German Heritage Festival and official opening by the Mayor has become an annual tradition of Tomball Gretchen Fagan. Heritage in this town north of Houston, and one of the best music/street MUSIC FILLS THE AIR Festival festivals in Texas. This year, on Alex Meixner will be the featured April 1-3, festival-goers will once entertainer once again. He always 2016 again break out their lederhosen brings some outstanding musicians and dirndls to “Go German” with him to form his festival band. and celebrate the heritage of the Three of the stages provide room to dance to music by Alex, The original German families that Royal Klobasneks, Auf Geht’s, April 1-3 settled this area beginning in about Chris Rybak, Das Ist Lustig, Dujka Friday 6-10pm | Saturday 10am-10pm | Sunday 10am-6pm 1840. Brothers, Round Top Brass Band, The festival is held on the old TubaMeisters, and Walburg for more information. TomballGermanFest.org downtown streets of Tomball, near Boys. You'll also get your foot Check this page for performance schedule. 201 S. Elm St., Main St. (FM 2920) tapping and hands clapping to and Market St. near the historical the Armstrong Family Bluegrass Train Depot Plaza. Band, Pat Gavin and the Enjoy four stages of live music Buckaroo Band, The Siekers, and performances of “happy music for the Traveling Murphys. happy people,” special contests, German folk dance ethnic and festival food, beer, wine, performances will be presented all Auf Geht's! Das Ist Lustig 175 street vendors, all kinds of weekend by the Rathkamp German German souvenirs and clothing, Folk Dancers, Keine Kunst arts and crafts, antiques, Heritage German Folk Dance Troupe, and Alex Center, carnival, pony ride, petting high school German clubs. More zoo, strolling music makers, street folk performances are planned by Meixner performers, and much more. It's Cloggers On the Move, Cloggers sponsored by the spring version of Oktoberfest! Texas Polka News and Unlimited, and Scandinavian Folk PolkaBeat.com Admission, parking, and shuttle Dancers of Houston. service are FREE! The kids will like Cowboy Camp from 10 am to 2 pm on FESTIVAL FAMILY FUN Saturday, and noon to 6 pm on "We have once again assembled a Sunday. Gun and history buffs will great lineup of vendors, contests, want to check out the Historical and entertainment for the whole German Gun Exhibit near the family to enjoy," said Grady Texas Heritage Stage from noon to Martin, President, Tomball Sister 6 pm on Saturday and Sunday. City Organization, which sponsors Royal Klobasneks Chris Rybak The Heritage Center at the event. 221 Market will be filled with Kick-Off Party - Thur., March 31 Landhaus Nikodemus Activities begin Thursday night, accordion music, award-winning Great German food! Music by Alex Meixner! March 31, when the Carnival opens high school German student Landhaus 413 W. Main Street with a $15 special price for the "all projects, along with traditional you can ride" armband. Also on 4 Music Stages, 175 Street Vendors, Ethnic & Festival Food German clothing and other fun Beer, Wine, Petting Zoo, Street Performers, Carnival Thursday, Grammy-nominated stuff for sale. Contests: Chicken Dance, Hollerin', Best Dressed German Alex Meixner kicks off the music And don’t forget about the FREE ADMISSION & PARKING at the Landhaus Nikodemus contests for Chicken Dancing, restaurant on Main Street. Hollerin' and Best Dressed TOMBALL, TEXAS - Old Town Tomball Near The Historical Train Depot Plaza (201 S. Elm) The full festival opens at 6 German. Texas Polka News -Spring/Summer Fest Guide March 2016 Page 7
Friday 6 – 10p Saturday 10a – 6p Sunday 12p - 6p Telgte Dance Hall Auf Geht's Matt Tolentino's Royal Klobasneks Walburg Boys 100 Market S 6p–10p 10:30a–3:30p 12p–6p Smooth concrete Opening Ceremonies 11:15a dance floor! Auf Geht's 4:30-10p Chris Rybak Party Chris Rybak Band Round Top Brass Band 10:30a - 4p Dujka Brothers 12 - 5p Stage 6p–10p Chris Rybak Band 4:30 – 10p Chris Rybak Band 1-6p Cherry & Market Space to dance! Ziegenbock Stage Alex Meixner Band TubaMeisters 10:30a – 1p Das Ist Lustig 12p, 3:30 Oak & Market 6p-10p Das Ist Lustig 1:30, 4:30, 7:30 Alex Meixner Band Space to dance! Alex Meixner Band 3p, 6p, 9p 1:30, 4:30 Texas Heritage Stage Blue Yonder Armstrong Family Bluegrass Armstrong Family (near Gazebo) 6p–10p 10:30a, 4:15p Bluegrass 12p, 3p, 5p Robert Duke Trick Roper 11:45a, Robert Duke Trick Roper Photos by Mark Hiebert, Gary E. McKee, and 2:15p 1p, 2:30 the festival. Pat Gavin and the Buckaroo Band Traveling Murphys 12:30, 3p 1:30p, 4p Enjoy the final day of the The Siekers duo 6p, 8:30p festival Sun., April 3 from 10 am till 6 pm. Check out the ad on the Strolling David G Wonders, De, Gator the Clown, Ghillie the Elf, TubaMeisters, Gene opposite page. Hackemack, Katerina
Page 8 Texas Polka News - Spring/Summer Fest Guide 2016 Koliba Foyer at 9 am along with Welcome Spring and kolache, cookies, and coffee. This Celebrate Czech year, the Center will recognize families who immigrated to Heritage Texas between 1916 and 1920, in a ceremony at 10:30 am in the The Texas Czech Heritage and Museum Exhibit Hall. Cultural Center (TCHCC) in A delicious dinner will be La Grange will welcome Spring served beginning at 11 am. with the 15th Annual Slavnost Plenty of Czech-style desserts (May Fest), and pay tribute to will also be available, along immigrants on Sun., May 15. The with refreshing beverages of all day will begin with music in the kinds.
There's nothing like a spring day on the TCHCC deck./Gary E. McKee photo
The Leo Majek Orchestra in the Country Store and the from Corpus Christi will provide Kopecky Gift Shop where you'll the music from 12:30 to 5 pm. find unique gifts for dads, grads, "We invite you to try out our new and newlyweds. dance floor," said Retta Chandler, TCHCC Board President. The VISIT THE CZECH VILLAGE Majek Band was honored by the During Slavnost, tour the Center in December at its annual TCHCC Czech Village, which gala honoring Czech bands of the includes structures from the late past. 1800s and early 1900s depicting The Majeks continue the what life was like for Czech tradition of Czech polka music, Texans back then. The houses are as members of the band now from the Kalich, Hoelscher, Migl, represent the family's fifth and Hluchanek-Salas Families. generation. The Kalich house serves as the The day's activities also Czech Music Museum of Texas, include a traditional May Pole and the Hoelscher house is home Dance, Classic Car Show, and to the Polka Lovers Club of Texas tour of the Texas Czech Village. Museum. You'll also have a chance to shop The village also includes the Janak barn and Texas Czech Agricultural Museum, Bucek Hospoda (tavern) and General Store, Fajkus/ Ratcliffe double log corn crib, and Zapalac The Leo Majek Orchestra is now in its fifth generation of polka musicians. sawmill. Texas Polka News -Spring/Summer Fest Guide March 2016 Page 9 Tribute to Eli Kolache Madness The 27th Cotton Gin Festival in East Bernard will hold its 26th Czech Burton on April 15-16, will pay Kolache-Klobase Festival on Sat., June tribute to the inventor of the cotton 11 at Riverside Hall. The festival gets gin - Eli Whitney. Learn more about 450 dozen from area bakeries to sell at the inventor and how a cotton gin the event, and there's never a crumb works during the festival. Watch the left! You can also feast on sausage historic ginning of a bale of cotton at and barbecue, dance to five polka 3 pm. Enjoy the parade at 10 am, then bands, and shop the vendors. Two of dance to three great bands, and enter the highlights of the fest are the Flag a contest or two, including cotton seed Tribute honoring those who have and pulling, bubble gum blowing, and pie do serve our country, and the three- eating. See ad below for more info. band concert. See ad below for details.
Contests: Bubble Gum Blowing 27th Annual Burton Pie Eating • Cotton Seed Pulling Cotton Gin Festival Tractor & Kiddie Tractor Pull Food/Craft Booths • Kid Zone April 15-16, 2016 Antique Tractor Show • Burton Cotton Gin Tours • Folk Life Demonstrations Friday 6-9pm All-you-can-eat shrimp boil live auction, raffle Burton Community Center ($30 or sponsor tables of 8 for $350) FREE ADMISSION Gates open @ 10am Sat. Parade 10am Shiner Hobo Band Noon-2:30pm Hilltop Ramblers 2:30-4pm Dujka Brothers 4-6pm CottonGinMuseum.org
Indoor Entertainment Ennis Czech Boys 10:30am-1pm Czech & Then Some 1-2pm Dujka Brothers 2-3pm Flag Tribute/Grand March 3-3:30pm Red Ravens 3:30-4:30pm 3-band Concert 4:30-5pm Czech & Then Some 5-6pm 26th Annual Dujka Brothers 6-7pm Czech Kolache-Klobase Festival Red Ravens 7-8 pm Saturday, June 11, 2016 Under Pavilion in Water-Fan Cooled Comfort 10:30am – 8pm Texas Sound Check 11am-12:30pm Riverside Hall – East Bernard, Texas Odessa 12:30-2pm Plate lunch available beginning 11am A Time to Dance Dancers 2-2:30pm Drive Thru Plates/Kolaches 11am-1pm Texas Sound Check 2:30-4pm Sausage, BBQ Chicken, Trimmings Odessa 4-5:30pm Sausage Sandwiches, Hamburgers available afternoon Admission: $8/Children 12 & under: Free Arts/Crafts Vendors • Raffle • Kiddie Great food, Maipole in the Fair Pavilion if it rains, photo opportunities, and a classic car show are Games • Plenty of Kolaches for Sale 979-335-7907 | kkfest.com waiting for you at Slavnost on May 15./Gary E. McKee photos Page 10 Texas Polka News - Spring/Summer Fest Guide 2016 Talk About Good! Enjoy Good Cajun Food, Music in Anhalt
The Cajun French Music Association De Fa Tras San Antonio Chapter invites you to its annual Crawfish and Shrimp Boil on Sat., April 9 at historic Anhalt Hall. Doors open at noon to great food, music, and family activities. Feast on boiled crawfish or shrimp, sausage, potatoes, and corn on the cob. Or try the The Oeuvals from Beaux Bridge, Louisiana./Band photo chicken and sausage gumbo, red beans and rice, and grilled The Gulf Coast Playboys have CAJUNS ON A MISSION chapters in Louisiana, four boudin. been providing Austin with fine The Cajun French Music chapters in the Cajun Region Visit the vendors, take a cake Cajun music since 1997. The Association is a non-profit of Southeast Texas, and one in walk, and enter the Cajun fiddle Oeuvals, who hail from Beaux organization comprised of Cajuns Chicago. raffle. Then get ready to dance like Bridge, Louisiana, are known to and non-Cajuns whose purpose is Tickets for the Anhalt Cajun a crazy Cajun to the music of the play Cajun Creole music with to promote and preserve, not only celebration are only $7, and Gulf Coast Playboys and Kevin attitude, tradition, innovation, Cajun music, but also various children 12 years old and under Huval & The Oeuvals. and power. aspects of the Acadian Heritage. are admitted free. The CFMA was founded in Basile, Louisiana in November 1984 by CRAWFISH & SHRIMP BOIL SATURDAY Harry LaFleur of Eunice. Saturday, April 9, 2016 Since its beginning of less Anhalt Hall (between New April 9, 2016 than 30 people, it has grown to ------Braunfels and Boerne) Hosted by Cajun French Music Association a membership of approximately AnhaltHall.com De Fa Tras (San Antonio) Chapter 2,000 families serving seven ------Noon-10pm Historic Anhalt Dance Hall
Featuring Cajun Music By Gulf Coast Playboys (2-5pm) Kevin Huval & The Oeuvals (6-10pm) Boiled crawfish or shrimp, sausage, potatoes, corn on the cob Chicken & sausage gumbo • Red beans and rice • Grilled boudin sausage Beer – Wine coolers – Tea – Lemonade – Soda – Water Cake Walk • Cajun Fiddle Raffle • 20 Craft Vendors on Site! $7 Admission (12 & under, free) Advance tickets @ AnhaltHall.com
CRAWFISH & SHRIMP BOIL
Gulf Coast Playboys/Rosie Sanchez photo Texas Polka News -Spring/Summer Fest Guide March 2016 Page 11 admission on Friday and Saturday Bloody Marys. Test your skill at it through scholarships for local The National Party is $20 after 5 pm or you can get tossing cow patties or eggs, or get students, providing covered of Texas a combo ticket that includes the in the race - 5k or maybe tricycle benches for the hot summer days rodeo for $30. is more your speed. Sign up for a at the pool, or leaving a footprint Each year, the Schulenburg The dances are free on Sunday tourament in volleyball, 3-on-3 on the infield of the Little League Festival at Wolters Park and feature the music of Texas basketball, or golf. fields. provides the ultimate in Texas Dream at 12:30 pm and Texas entertainment, and this, its 39th Unlimited Band at 4 pm. FUN FOR A GOOD CAUSE 39TH SCHULENBURG year, is no exception. The party All this fun is for a good cause. FESTIVAL gets started on Fri., Aug. 5, with WE LOVE A PARADE! The Schulenburg Festival's August 5-7, 2016 The Hitmen at 6:30 pm, followed The music alone would be mission is to give back to the Wolters Park / Schulenburg by John Conlee at 8:30 pm, and enough, but the festival also offers community of Schulenburg, be SchulenburgFestival.org closing with William Clark tons of fun activities including Green at 10:30 pm. a parade, featuring many Saturday's lineup starts at floats from area class reunions. 12:30 pm with Los Kolaches, the Royalty is also involved with the James Soto Band at 4 pm, the announcement of the festival Texas Unlimited Band at 7:30 court of Miss Schulenburg, pm, Josh Abbott Band at 9:30 Junior Miss, and Little Miss and pm, and bringing back Texas Mister. There are cook offs for Unlimited Band at 11:30 pm. Gate chili, barbecue, beans, and even Page 12 Texas Polka News - Spring/Summer Fest Guide 2016 CHURCH PICNICS If It Ain't Janak's, It Ain't Sausage Janak Packing, Inc. opened for SINCE 1938 business in 1938. When our country was beginning to feel the effects of the great depression and times were difficult, Paul and Mary Janak opened a small grocery store We have the absolute and meat market. Requests began best-tasting sausage and bacon to come in for Paul to make his famous sausage out of the farm- in the world! raised pigs that the local farmers You can always see Alice and Leroy Janak at local dances, festivals and picnics, like the brought to him. Neighbors also El Campo Polka Fest on Jan. 31 at Taiton urged Paul to expand his sausage Community Center./Gary E. McKee photo We sell smoked business so that the surrounding folks could also enjoy his hickory Janak’s Country Market specializes sausages, hams, smoked products. in making gift boxes packed From this humble beginning, with sausage and meat products, jerky, bacon, Paul, Mary, and their six children along with canned goods made baked goods, ran Janak Packing, Inc. In 2001, in the Country Kitchen which Janak Packing Inc. added on a are available year round and also pecan pies, new dimension with a retail store during the holidays. They offer a canned goods, called Janak’s Country Market. full line of smoked products from The building is characterized by a sausage, jerky, ham and bacon. sauerkraut, rustic-style cedar wood look with The majority of their pickles, you a cedar hall room for event rentals, products can be viewed online which was custom built by Leroy at janakpacking.com and orders name it! And a Janak. can be placed online and shipped gift shop too! Leroy and his wife Alice, along to you or picked up at the store. with son, Mark and wife, Karen, Lunches and sandwiches are served purchased the business in August daily and they also have a nice 2011 from the rest of the family. dining area for in store-dining. Proud to provide sausage for several church picnics. Are you planning an event - wedding, anniversary, reunion, fundraiser? Contact us. We can provide meats, sausages & much more!
STORE HOURS Monday - Friday: 8:00 A.M. till 5:00 P.M. Saturday: 8:00 A.M. till 12:00 P.M. 361-798-2985 www.JanakPacking.com 3116 US Hwy. 90AW | Hallettsville, Texas 77964 Texas Polka News -Spring/Summer Fest Guide March 2016 Page 13 BROUGHT TO YOU BY JANAK'S COUNTRY MARKET
April July September 25 IMMANUEL LUTHERAN Killeen (254) 634-2772 16 ST. MARK LUTHERAN 3 STS. CYRIL & METHODIUS 4 NATIVITY OF VIRGIN MARY Lake Jackson (979) 297-2667 Dubina (979) 725-8461 High Hill (979) 743-3117 October 24 ST. MARY’S CATHOLIC 4 ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST 4 ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST 2 QUEEN OF HOLY ROSARY Frydek (979) 885-3131 St. John (979) 798-5888 Fayetteville (979) 378-2277 Hostyn (979) 247-4441 24 ST. MICHAEL’S CATHOLIC 17 ASCENSION OF OUR LORD 4 OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE 2 HOLY ROSARY Weimar (979) 725-6714 Moravia (361) 798-5888 Cuero (361) 277-9062 Frenstat (979) 535-7704 May 17 ST. JAMES CATHOLIC 4 SACRED HEART CATHOLIC 2 ST. LUKE’S CATHOLIC Gonzales (830) 672-2945 Hallettsville (361) 798-5888 Loire (830) 393-6021 1 QUEEN OF THE HOLY ROSARY Hostyn (979) 247-4441 22/23 ST. MARY OF VISITATION 4 STS. CYRIL & METHODIUS 2 ST. ROCH CATHOLIC Lockhart (512) 398-4649 hiner (361) 594-3836 Mentz (979) 732-3460 7 CHRIST LUTHERAN Pattison (281) 934-8218 24 NATIVITY OF VIRGIN MARY 4 ST. MARY’S CATHOLIC 2 SACRED HEART CATHOLIC Penelope (254) 533-2325 Plantersville (936) 894-2223 Crosby (281) 328-4871 8 CHRIST LUTHERAN Loebau (409) 884-0333 31 STS. CYRIL & METHODIUS 4 ST. STANISLAUS 9 ST. ANTHONY CATHOLIC Granger (512) 859-2223 Chappell Hill (979) 836-3030 Columbus (979) 732-2562 15 ST. JOHN'S LUTHERAN 4 STS. CYRIL & METHODIUS Deanville (979) 535-4125 August 9 HOLY CROSS Granger (512) 859-2223 East Bernard (979) 335-7551 29 ST. JOSEPH CATHOLIC STS. PETER & PAUL 7 IMMACULATE CONCEPTION Dime Box (979) 884-3100 Frelsburg (979) 732-3430 4 9 CHURCH OF THE VISITATION Sealy (979) 885-3868 Lott (254) 584-4983 29 SACRED HEART CATHOLIC ST. ANTHONY OF PADUA 7 HOLY CROSS LUTHERAN Hallettsville (361) 798-5888 Palacios (361) 972-2446 4 16 GUARDIAN ANGEL Warda (979) 242-3333 Wallis (979) 478-6532 29 STS. CYRIL & METHODIUS ST. JOSEPH CATHOLIC 7 STS. CYRIL & METHODIUS Shiner (361) 594-3836 Yoakum (361) 293-3518 11 16 HOLY CROSS LUTHERAN New date! Yoakum (361) 293-3033 June 14 ST. MICHAEL’S CATHOLIC Marak (254) 697-4861 Weimar (979) 725-6714 23 SACRED HEART CATHOLIC 5 SACRED HEART CATHOLIC 11 ST. MARY OF ASSUMPTION La Grange (979) 968-3430 Flatonia (361) 865-3568 14 ST. MARY OF ASSUMPTION Taylor (512) 352-2175 West (254) 826-3705 23 ST. MICHAEL ARCHANGEL 5 HOLY TRINITY CORN HILL 17-18 ST. JOHN NEPOMUCENE Needville (979) 793-3787 Jarrell (512) 863-3020 15 ASSUMPTION OF VIRGIN MARY Ennis (972) 875-2834 Praha (361) 596-4674 23 ST. PAUL LUTHERAN 12 ST. MARY'S CATHOLIC 18 ST. JOSEPH CATHOLIC Columbus (979) 732-2423 Hallettsville (361) 798-2128 21 ST. ANDREW CATHOLIC Moulton (361) 596-4674 Hillje (979) 648-2864 12 ST. ROSE OF LIMA 18 ST. WENCESLAUS SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL Schulenburg (979) 743-3117 2 ST. MONICA CATHOLIC La Grange (979) 743-3117 CHURCH PICNIC Cameron (254) 697-2107 19 ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST 24-25 ST. JEROME Janak's Church Picnics will run Ammannsville 28 STS. CYRIL & METHODIUS Houston (713) 468-9555 in Texas Polka News through Cistern (361) 865-3568 26 UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST 25 ST. JOSEPH September. You can also check Lyons (979) 596-1456 28 ST. MARY CATHOLIC Cyclone (254) 985-2280 polkabeat.com for the year round llinger (979) 378-2277 26 STS. CYRIL & METHODIUS 25 ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST scheudle. As more information Granger (512) 859-2223 2 IMMANUEL LUTHERAN Koerth (Sweet Home) becomes available for the picnics, La Vernia (830) 253-8121 (361) 741-3206 details will be added to the 26 STS. PETER & PAUL Plum (979) 247-4441 28 HOLY ROSARY CATHOLIC 25 ST. JAMES CATHOLIC listing. To add a picnic to the Rosenberg (281) 342-3089 Seguin (830) 379-1796 list or make corrections, call 26 FAYETTEVILLE BRETHREN ST. PHILIP THE APOSTLE 281-836-5362 or email theresa@ Fayetteville (979) 220-1289 25 El Campo (979) 543-3770 polkabeat.com. Page 14 Texas Polka News - Spring/Summer Fest Guide 2016 The village is undergoing resurgence Moravia Fest with two wineries joining the historic Moravia Store, and in the Fall 2016, Celebrates Music, the opening of the Texas Olive View Historic Community Ranch. Moravia Fest, a celebration of the SONGWRITER SERENEDE historic village in south central Texas, Moravia Fest begins at the Moravia will be held on Sat., May 7 from 11 Parish Hall with Songwriter Serenade, am to 9 pm. The festival will take a competition of 15 of Texas’ top place across venues in the little town, songwriters for $5,000 in prize money. featuring music, food, and wine! This year’s judges are talented Texas Czech, German, and Anglo songwriters Susan Gibson, Walt settlers founded Moravia in 1881. Wilkins, and Kevin Welch. Serenade
begins at 11 am and ends at 5 pm, beginning at 6 pm. Beer, hamburgers, with $10 tickets available at and other food, plus plenty of cold songwritersserenade.com or at the pivo will be available. door. “We are very excited that our local businesses have come together to Moravia Fest sponsor this event,” said the unofficial ARTISAN FAIR Featuring music, food & wine! From noon-4 pm, Majek Vineyard mayor of Moravia, Henrietta Filip, & Winery will host the first Majek Artisan Fair, featuring art, food, crafts, and up-cycled MAY 7, 2016 items from local artists. Following the Fair, 11am - 9pm singer-songwriter Frank Martin Gilligan will Moravia, Texas perform in the Majek Big Barn from 5-8 pm Admission to this event is free. The Vineyard will Songwriter Serenade be open from noon-6 Moravia Parish Hall p.m., serving wine made 11 am-5 pm from local grapes paired with fine appetizers. owner of the Moravia Store. “We are 15 songwriters compete for $5,000 in prize money located in one of the most beautiful Tickets: $10 at door or at SongwriterSerenade.com and historic parts of Texas and can’t MORAVIA DANCING wait to welcome visitors to our little Majek Artisan Fair The historic Moravia Store will be town.” open, with Late Night DJ playing Transportation among the festival Majek Vineyard & Winery country, rock, and polka music venues will be provided by Schüber, Noon-4 pm: Art, food, crafts & up-cycled items from local artists junket and jaunt 5-8 pm: Singer-songwriter Frank Martin Gilligan transportation service. Moravia Dance Moravia, Texas Historic Moravia Store is located in south 6 pm: DJ playing country, rock & polka central Texas, within 90 minutes Beer, hamburgers & other food available of Houston, San Check out Facebook pages for all venues. Antonio, Austin, and Victoria, off Transportation among festival venues provided by Schűber. I-10 8 miles south Moravia is located off I-10, 8 miles south of Schulenburg on FM 957. of Schulenburg on historic FM 957. Texas Polka News -Spring/Summer Fest Guide March 2016 Page 15
It's Time for 14th Annual Beckster Fest! Barefoot Becky says y'all come on up for the 14th annual event June 3-5. Well, maybe she didn't say "y'all" but she welcomes Texas fans on her Amana Colonies RV Park & Convention Facility - Amana, IA home turf. "It's great to see everyone Always the weekend after Memorial Day when we come down to Texas for our winter tour in February, and then Friday June 3/6pm -12am Saturday June 4/12 -10pm Sunday June 5/12 - 6pm to see their smiling faces at Beckster Barefoot Becky’s Malek’s Fishermen - IA Czech and Then Some - TX Fest in June," Becky said. Ivanhoe Dutchmen - IA 12-3pm 10:30am Polka Mass The event takes place at Amana 6-7:30pm/9-10:30pm Gary’s Ridgeland Dutchmen - WI 12-1:30pm/3-4:30pm Colonies RV Park & Convention Lyle Beaver Trio - IA 3-5pm/7-8:30pm Goodtime Dutchmen - WI 7:30-9pm/10:30-12am Facility, and will once again feature Czech and Then Some - TX 1:30-3pm/4:30-6pm 5-7pm/8:30-10pm six top bands, including Czech & at the campground with showers, Then Some from Ennis. The fun restrooms, laundromat, shopping, Wooden Dance Floor • Air Conditioned Building kicks off on Friday with Barefoot dining, bike trails, theater, and golf. Ronneburg Restaurant - Food & Drinks!! Becky & The Ivanhoe Dutchmen Ronnenburg Restaurant on site will $ $ $ $ and the Lyle Beaver Trio. be serving up great meals and cold Tickets: Friday - 12, Saturday - 15, Sunday - 12, 3 Day Pass - 35 beverages throughout the fest. On Saturday, Malek's Fishermen For RV Reservations: For more info: get things rockin', followed by Gary's 319-622-7616/AmanaRVPark.com Toll Free: 877-499-7133 Ridgeland Dutchmen and Czech & POLKA PARTY BUS 60 acres of level campground, 450 campsites: Becky Livermore Then Some. EXTRAVAGANZA dry, electric & water, full hookup. 1257 Ivanhoe Rd Showers, Restrooms, Laundromat, Shopping, Mt Vernon, IA 52314 The Sunday schedule features a Dining, Bike Trails, Theater, Golf www.barefootbecky.com Polka Mass at 10:30 am with Czech Leave your RV at home and board the & Then Some providing the music. Czech & Then Some Polka Party Bus. For only $575 a person (double occu- Then they'll play a set for polka 14th Annual dancing, followed by the Goodtime pancy), you'll receive transportation, Dutchmen. four nights of motels, and admission to the festival. No need to worry about going Plus, on the way there, the party from venue to venue. It's all in one bus will stop at Downstream Casino Czech and Then Some air-conditioned hall with a great and Resort in Quapaw, Oklahoma. Polka Party Bus Extravaganza wooden dance floor. Bring your Contact Danny or Yvonne Zapletal at RV and enjoy top accommodations 972-875-2036 to sign up. June 2-6, 2016 Dance to 6 Great Bands: Barefoot Becky’s Ivanhoe Dutchmen, Lyle Beaver Trio, Malek’s Fishermen, Gary’s Ridgeland Dutchmen, Goodtime Dutchmen, and Czech and Then Some Destinations: Downstream Casino – Quapaw, OK and Beckster Fest - Amana, IA
Package includes: transportation, 4 nights of motels, and admission to festival Downstream Casino and Resort, Holiday Inn Express, Comfort Inn & Suites
$575 per person and price is based on double occupancy If you have any questions call Danny or Yvonne Zapletal @ 972-875-2036 Polka On! Store PolkaBeat.com Texans love to to go Beckster Fest and bring their Polka On! buttons and koozies! Pictured from CDs, T-shirts, koozies, towels & more! left clockwise are the Janaks, Flo Mozisek, the Sumberas, Joe Mozisek, and the Laquas. Page 16 Texas Polka News - Spring/Summer Fest Guide 2016
Celebrate Maifest in Brenham Maifest marks the revival of life in early spring after a long, cold winter. In medieval times, Maifest became the favorite holiday. People would gather spring flowers to decorate their homes and churches. They chose a king and queen of May and villagers danced around the Maipole. Brenham has kept this tradition held Friday evening with young going for 125 years. Maifest President children participating in an elaborate Dr. Heather Thielemann invites you outdoor ceremony which provides to join them for the 126th edition on entertainment and the presentation May 6-7. of the Junior King and Queen. Live "The festival at Fireman’s bands featuring some of Texas’ best Park features a German Village new talent - Ben Laskoskie, the showcasing Brenham’s heritage and Amalang Brothers, Steven Marshall, off the event on Saturday at 10:30 the Kinder Village with activities and the Blue Grooves - will begin am in downtown Brenham. The for our young visitors," Heather at 5:30 pm and continue throughout entertainment will include German said. German music, arts and crafts the evening on Fireman’s Park main music in the afternoons with the vendors, children’s activities, and stage. Plenty of food, “German soda Round Top Brass Band and Gene Blue Bell All-You-Can-Eat Ice Cream water,” and wine will be available in Hackemack. Saturday night will fill the day." the Bier and Wine Gartens. feature Abigail Taylor and the Risky The Junior Coronation will be The Maifest Parade will kick Liver Band, Austin Meade, and the Wesley Westbrook Band. This year’s Maifest will also include local dance groups, Maipole dances, a new beer tasting event, and 126th Maifest a beanbag tournament. The Great Thomas Carnival will run this year from Thursday night While at the Maifest, enjoy the May 6-7, 2016 through Sunday afternoon. Rides beautiful springtime sights of and games for all ages will begin at 5 Brenham and Washington County. Fireman’s Park/Brenham, Texas Make plans to stay at one of the pm Thursday and Friday nights and town's many fine motels or a quaint Maifest.org start up again at 11 am on Saturday. bed and breakfast. Sunday’s carnival will open at noon. The Senior Coronation will be held Saturday evening in Fireman's DID YOU KNOW? Friday, May 6 Park with former royalty and In 1986, the Axel F. Baehren Family Benjamin Laskoskie, Amalang Brothers, Steven Marshall, The Blue Grooves high school students providing of Brenham, donated the Maipole entertainment for this outdoor event. located on the grounds of Fireman’s Saturday, May 7 The culmination of the Maifest Park. The current Maipole is based Round Top Brass Band, Gene Hackemack, Rathkamp German Folk Dancers, Off the Grid Band, Celebration is highlighted by the on the design of a Maipole that dates presentation of the Senior King and back to 1762 A.D., the replica of Abigail Taylor and Risky Liver Band, Austin Meade, Wesley Westbrook Band, Will Carter Band Queen. Another full night of fun, live which is now standing in Bavaria, music, food, drink, and good friends West Germany. Brenham’s Maipole Beer, Wine & Food Booths•German Cuisine•Beer Tasting•Bean Bag Toss Tournament ensue. depicts the figures found in the Traditional Maipole Dance•Der Shoppes von Maifest•Kinder Village There is no admission charge to Maifest logo. All You Can Eat Ice Cream (Sat) the grounds for the festival. Tickets The traditional Maipole dance are required for the Junior and Senior will be featured at 6:30 pm on Coronations, the carnival and some Saturday by Aspirations Gymnastics children’s activities. & Dance Studio. Texas Polka News -Spring/Summer Fest Guide March 2016 Page 17 Ja! Cajun Fest in Fredericksburg Fredericksburg's roots may be German, but that doesn't mean they don't know how to throw one of the best Cajun festivals in the state! The town's Jaycees invite you to "go wild" at this year's fest on Memorial Day weekend. This annual event features live music, great food, and activities that every member of your family is sure to love. The fun kicks off Friday with Fred Rusk and the Zydeco Steppers, followed by up-and-coming artist Kaylee Rutland, and Texas Red Dirt artist Charlie Robison. On Saturday, the Zydeco Histeppers are back, along with Bayou City Brass Band, Bayou
Roux, and Texas Red Dirt artist Jason Boland and the Stragglers. Kaylee Rutland and Bayou Roux will close out the weekend fun on Sunday. The great food includes, of course, crawfish, along with gumbo and boudin. Single day tickets are Friday $10, Saturday $12, and Sunday $10. Multi-day passes: Fri/Sat $20, Sat/ Sun $20, and three-day pass $25. Kids 5 and under are admitted free, and kids, ages 6-12, pay only $5.
HELPING OTHERS The Fredericksburg Jaycees were founded in 1940 by a group of local businessmen who wanted to raise money to support local organizations. Since their founding, the Jaycees have grown to promote large fundraisers with all of the proceeds being used to help youth organizations, charitable groups, and those in need within our community in Texas. Page 18 Texas Polka News - Spring/Summer Fest Guide 2016 who prefer a weekend of Muenster Is Ready relaxing fun, Muenster is for 41st Annual still the place to be. Several stages present a variety of Germanfest great musical performances, Bring a Gutin Apetit! including Grammy winner Brave Combo, Das Ist Lustig, The Muenster Chamber of Alpenmusikanten, Alpine Commerce is set to host its 41st Village, and 3rd Generation – Germanfest on April 22-24, POLKA-POLKA-POLKA!! 2016. You'll also enjoy the Time With more than 20,000 Machine Band, Satisfaction/ anticipated to attend, festivities The International Rolling Stones show, and up-and-coming promise the very bestBrav ein C Germanombo hospitality with sausage,Classic Recall country bands Statesboro April 22-24, 2016 sauerkraut, schnitzel,And ypotato Serna Revue, Parker McCullum, The salad, hearty cheeses, German Damn Quails, and Cody Jinks. This three-day festival attracts thousands pizza, and scrumptiousAlpine appleVillage to mouthwatering German sausage scrumptious strudel. This quaint3rd GGermaneneratio n FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY apple strudel, hearty cheeses and homemade OPENING CEREMONIES community festival3r dalso Gen offerseration a Other festival events feature over bread, cakes and pies. So, come to Muenster wide variety of AmericanAlpenmu sfood.ikanten 50 arts and crafts booths and and let us be your host for food, fun and frolic. The 10th Annual Barbecue carnival rides. In the children’s/ Alpine Village Be sure to bring a "guten apetit" Cook-off returns Wthishitn eyearBy rHaS v Dea nCcoerms familybo area, for the young and as a sanctioned eventAlpi nundere CVillalasg seic Rectheall young at heart, you will be 2 Stages of Continuous Music the “Lone Star BarbecueDas ist L ustig WhitneAy nHdS yD aSnecerrnsaable to enjoy a balloon sculpture Brave Combo • Das Ist Lustig Association.” The3 rdwinner Genera tofio n artist, face painting, and Alpenmusikanten • 3rd Generation this event will be qualifiedDas ist Lus ttoig hamster water balls. Humans get participate in the World3rd Gen eFoodration Alpine Village • Pat Water • Ryan Ready AlpenmAulspikiannete Vn illatog ebe enclosed in a plastic ball Competitions in Las Vegas Time Machine Band • Satisfaction 3rd Generatotio seen how much fun hamsters and the KC MasterpieceDas ist LBBQustig have in this contraption. There's Edge of Knight • Willy Kickit AlpenmOuPsiEkaNnItNenG CEREMONIES competition in Kansas City.3rd Generation Statesboros Revue • Parker McCollum Alpenmusikanten Damn Quails • Cody Jinks SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE Alpine Village For those who love Whitney HS Dancers For more information contact: competitive sports, Muenster Chamber of Commerce Alpine Village consider signing up for Das ist Lustig P.O. Box 714 Muenster, TX 76252 Nagelschlagen, a 940-759-2227 | GermanFest.net Whitney HS Dancers traditional German Friday Noon - Midnight 3rd Generation Saturday 10:00AM - Midnight competition in which Das ist Lustig Sunday 10:00AM - 6:00PM the contestants attempt3 rd Generation to strike a nail spike Alpenmusikanten into a tree stump Arts/Crafts Booths • Carnival with the least amount Das ist Lustig Balloon Sculpture Artist • Face Painting of blows, Saturday’s Alpenmusikanten Hamster Water Balls • Petting Zoo bicycle rally, or Sunday’s 5K/15K Run. Bounce House • Puppet Theater There’s something for everyone at MUENSTER, TEXAS Germanfest! Those Texas Polka News -Spring/Summer Fest Guide March 2016 Page 19 also a petting zoo, bounce house, entertainment from the Dallas Puppet Theater and performances from Edge of Knight! Germanfest events are located in downtown Muenster on US Hwy 82, 14 miles west of I-35 and about 70 miles north of DFW. The hours are Friday 12 pm-12 am, Saturday 10 am -12 am, and Sunday 10 am-6 pm. Admission on Friday is $8, Saturday $10, and Sunday $6. Ages 8 and under are admitted free. Anyone in complete German costume 41st Germanfest Schedule will be admitted free. Purchase tickets at the gate or online at Germanfest.net. Friday, April 22 Saturday, April 23 Sunday, April 24 Texas Stage Music in the Park Edge of Knight 11A-‐1P Music in the Park Noon-‐2P Willy Kickit 1:30-‐3:30P 11A-‐12P Pat Water -‐ 2:30 4P Statesboro Revue 4-‐6P Brave Combo 12:30-‐ Ryan Ready -‐ 4:30 6P Parker McCollum 6:30-‐ 3P Time Machine Band 6-‐ 8P Classical Recall 3-‐ 10P Damn Quails 8:30-‐10P 4:30P Satisfaction/Rolling Cody Jinks 10:30P Andy Serna 5-‐6P Stones Show 10:30P German Tanzhalle Alpine Village 12-‐ Alpine Village 12-‐1:30P Das Ist Lustig -‐ 12 1:30P Whitney High School 1:30P Break 1:30-‐2P Dancers 1:30-‐2P Break 1:30-‐2P Alpine rd Village 2-‐3:30P Alpine Village 2-‐3:30P Das Ist Lustig -‐ 2 3P 3 Generation 4-‐5:30P Das Ist Lustig -‐ 3:30 5P Alpenmusikanten 4-‐ Opening Ceremonies Whitney HS Dancers 5-‐ 6P 6Prd 5:30Prd 3 Generation 6:30-‐8P 3 Generation 5:30-‐7P Alpenmusikanten 8-‐ Das rd Ist g Lusti 7-‐8:30P 11P 3 Generation 8:30-‐ 9:30P Alpenmusikanten 9:30-‐ 11:30P Children’s Stage Dallas Puppets 11:30A-‐ Dallas Puppets 12:30P, 2-‐3P, 4-‐5P 11:30A-‐12:30P, Totally Twisted 2:30-‐3:30P Balloons 1-‐1:30P, 3:30-‐ Totally Twisted 4P Balloons 1-‐1:30P, 4-‐ Edge of Knight 5-‐6P 4:30P Edge of Knight 5-‐6P
Page 20 Texas Polka News - Spring/Summer Fest Guide 2016 Willkommen to Maifest It's an Anhalt Tradition Germania Farmer Verein (German Farmer’s Club) was established in Anhalt in 1875 as a social and benevolent organization. For 140 years the Verein has held a festival on the third Sunday of May to welcome spring. The festival highlights a family-style meal, polka music in the afternoon and a country and western dance in the Leon Rauch German dancing demonstration at last year's Maifest./Bill Bishop photo evening. The 141st Maifest will Dressen's Super Swing Revue also includes a lot of classic In 1887 the verein leased bring you polka music by the from 6-10 pm. For 33 years the country dance music. land from George Krause and legendary Donnie Wavra Swing Revue has played the Bob A special treat will be the built a meeting hall, which they Orchestra from 2 to 5 pm, Wills and His Texas Playboys addition of Leon Rauch. If his enlarged in 1896. As late as 2003, and country and music by Al flavor of Western Swing, which health permits, Leon says he hundreds of people still gathered will be joining the Super Swing at the Anhalt Hall for annual Revue to sing a few tunes. spring and harvest festivals and SATURDAY Leon is known as one of other music events. May 21, 2016 the best vocalists for the Texas Two explanations have been ------Playboys. He was lead vocalist offered for the name Anhalt: 141ST Annual Maifest for the Bob Wills group from one, that it derives from the ------1958 until the early 1960s. German word for “stopping Noon-10pm The family-style meal will be place” since most travelers from Historic Anhalt Dance Hall a pot roast dinner with all the New Braunfels would stop there trimmings from noon to 7 pm. on their way to Boerne; the It's all you can eat for only $10. other, that it refers to a region of Admission $5 till 4pm Admission to the hall is $5 the same name in Germany. $15 after 4pm Family-style pot roast until 4 pm. After 4, admission Germania Farmer Verein dinner 12-7pm is $15. Advance tickets are (German Farmer’s Club) was $10 all you can eat! available at AnhaltHall.com. established in 1875 as a social and benevolent organization. Donnie Wavra Al Dressen's AND NOW FOR In 1879 the first hall was Orchestra (2-5pm) Super Swing Revue THE HISTORY Featuring Leon Rauch erected, and in 1880 a dance Fantastic 70x90 oak wood dance floor. (6-10pm) Located off Hwy. 46 between Boerne & Hwy 281 Anhalt is 28 miles west of floor was added for the first Info: 210-240-2456 New Braunfels in western Maifest. The hall has been Comal County. According to expanded several times over the information on the hall's website years. In 1951 the beer garden by Oscar Haas, the town was was added and in 1953 the settled by German pioneers kitchen was built. Today, the Advance tickets @ AnhaltHall.com in 1859 and became known as Verien has approximately 350 Krause Settlement. members. Texas Polka News -Spring/Summer Fest Guide March 2016 Page 21 The Dynatones! "It's a superb band Polkas Return to lineup that will provide over twelve hours of music each day!" Richie Ocean Beach Park said. Wednesday night starts off with Listen to live polkas, the Polka Country Musicians on the Boardwalk with a FREE admission work on your tan, and show for your listening and dancing dance all day! pleasure from 7-10 pm. "The Polka Jammer Network will be there Polkas are returning to beautiful broadcasting live. You don’t want to Ocean Beach Park in New London, miss this event," Richie advised. Connecticut for the 3rd Annual Music continues on Thursday Ocean Beach Park Polka Days June from 11 am until 3 pm with Matt 22-25! Rosinski’s USPA All Star Jam Band Richie, Wally, and Jarek in the pavilion right on the beach. Visit oceanbeachparkpolkadays. giveaways, and you can meet polka Dombrowski of Polka Country Listen to live polkas, work on com for all up-to-date information personalities from the USPA, IPA, Enterprises and the Polka Country your tan, and dance all day! In the on the polka fest and feel free to the Polka Jammer Network, 24/7 Musicians of Jewett City, CT are evening, music continues in the big, email them at: oceanbeachpolkas@ Polka Heaven, Polish New Castle happy to bring you this event at beautiful ballroom from 5:30 pm yahoo.com with any questions! Radio, local radio and TV stations, the beautiful, sunny, Ocean Beach to 12:30 am with the sounds of the Admission is $20 a person and we will even get some friendly Park, once the site of the former Polka Family Band of Pennsylvania, on Thursday and Friday and $22 beach volleyball games going," Polkabration and Polka Jam Days. the Maestro’s Men, and a set by on Saturday. A three-day pass is Richie said. Larry Trojak with The PCM. available for $55. "DJs and IJs will be broadcasting Friday music starts at 10 am with their shows live all weekend from the 10 OF THE NATION'S The Boys from Baltimore, and the SEE YOU AT THE BEACH pavilion and the ballroom, so you’ll FINEST POLKA BANDS IPA Tribute Band from Chicago "Each day, along with a great lineup have a chance to be 'on the air' with The Polka Country Musicians will in the pavilion. In the ballroom of polka bands, we’ll have surprise them! We’ll see you at the beach!” be your host band for the weekend will be Polka Country Musicians, and will welcome nine more of the Eddie Forman Orchestra from nation’s finest polka bands: The Massachusetts, The Knewz from Boys, The Knewz, Polka Family Buffalo, New York, and Freeze Dried Band, Eddie Forman, Dennis of Chicago from 5:30 pm until 1 am. Join us for the and the Maestro’s Men, Matt On Saturday, enjoy music in the Rosinski’s All Star Jam Band from pavilion from 10 am until 3 pm with 3rd Annual the United States Polka Association Freeze Dried and The Knewz. The OCEAN BEACH PARK in Ohio, The International Polka ballroom will feature the music of Association Tribute Band in the Polka Country Musicians, IPA Polka Days Chicago, and Freeze Dried, along Tribute Band, and The Boys from with special guest Larry Trojak of 5:30 pm until 12:30 am. JUNE 22-25 2016 Featuring 10 of the nation's finest Polka Bands! Polka Country Musicians The Boys Matt's All Star Jam Band IPA Tribute Band Maestro's Men Eddie Forman Larry Trojak with PCM The Knewz Polka Family Freeze Dried Tickets: Thursday-$20, Friday-$20, Saturday, $22, 3-day pass-$55 860-598-4117 or [email protected] OceanBeachParkPolkaDays.com 98 Neptune Avenue, New London, CT 06320 Page 22 Texas Polka News - Spring/Summer Fest Guide 2016 Bremond: Friendly People, Polish Heritage Enjoy the Summer Pageantry A visit to this town about 40 miles southeast of Waco will tell you the history of how it The fun kicks off Friday night was founded in 1869 and settled with a beauty pageant, BBQ by Polish families thanks to a Cook-Off check-in, Margarita museum, historical church, and Mix-Up Contest, food and renovated buildings. But if you craft vendors, and live musical really want to experience the entertainment from 6-10 pm, Polish hospitality and flavor featuring Brian Marshall & of this community, be sure to Friends. attend Polski Dzien – Bremond Saturday starts with the 5K Polish Festival Days held the last Polish Pickle Run at 8 am. One weekend in June. of the highlights of the festival is the Polish Parade at 10:30 am, THE STREETS ARE ALIVE followed by the Polish Wawel WITH MUSIC Dancers and more live musical The 29th Annual Polski Dzien entertainment, including Jim will be held June 24-25, 2016. Mazurkiewicz & Friends. It’s
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I E T L A C M O Y M ! E Texas Polka News -Spring/Summer Fest Guide March 2016 Page 23
Gary E. McKee photo an unbelievable display of color, cones, fresh-squeezed lemonade, pageantry, and happiness. and much more. Lots of cold The Gordon Collier Band beer will be available at local will open the Saturday Night businesses on Main Street - the Street Dance, followed by Doug Dry Bean Saloon and the White Stone, and Rick Trevino. Gates Eagle Music Hall. open at 7 pm and you can dance Shop the many craft vendors in the street until about 1 am. selling handcrafted metal art,
homemade jellies and breads, SHOP, EAT, PLAY fancy decorated koozies, jewelry, During the day, you can visit the leather goods, and more! Bremond Historical Museum, which will display a special 29TH POLSKI DZIEN exhibit. Or you can enter or Polish Festival Days watch various games such June 24-25, 2016 as a 42 Tournament, 3-on-3 Main Street, Downtown Basketball, Horseshoes, Washer Bremond Pitching, and Sand Volleyball. BremondTexas.org Food vendors will include authentic Polish food, Texas McKee photo James Mazurkiewicz (seated, right) and friends (L-R) Charlie Brossman, Frank Motley, Fabian Jezierski, and CJ Jozwiak. Below: Jakub and Michal Marshall and dad, Brian./McKee photos barbecue, corn dogs, pulled pork sandwiches, kettle corn, snow
Groholski's Polish Sausage (also home of the 42 Tournament/Festival photo) Page 24 Texas Polka News - Spring/Summer Fest Guide 2016
The National Polka Festival ® ENNIS, TEXAS May 27-29, 2016 19 POLKA BANDS! 3 Halls, Downtown Street Dances, Vendors, Festivities
Brave Combo Czechaholics Texas Sound Check Czech and Then Some Praha Bros. Mark Jirikovec Orchestra Ennis Czech Boys Jerry Haisler and the Mark Vyhlidal Orchestra Dujka Brothers Melody 5 The All Around Czechs Jodie Mikula Orchestra The Moravians Happy Players Fritz Hodde and Texas Dutchmen Mark Halata & Texavia The Fabulous Six Holub Polka Band The Travelers
Pre-Party Thursday, May 26, 7pm, KJT Bar featuring Czech & Then Some, polka jam, polkabeat door prizes Friday 7pm, KJT Hall King & Queen Dance Contest celebrating its 30th year All-Star dance contest (only past winners) 8pm Regular contest at 9pm
Saturday 10am Downtown Parade Saturday 8pm, Sokol Hall TBA Country Dance
NationalPolkaFestival.com