60th annual National Polka Festival underway in Ennis
ENNIS – The 60th annual National Polka Festival kicks off this evening at Sokol in Ennis. The three-day celebration of Czech heritage features traditional food, music, dance, and more.
Besides the Sokol, participating halls include the KJT Auditorium and SPJST Lodge No. 25.
The doors open at the Sokol at 5 p.m. today, with activities, including the Beseda Dancers and the annual King and Queen Polka Dance Contest, along with music by Pardubicka Muzika and Mark Vyhlidal, continuing until 11 p.m.
Admission tickets include entrance to all three participating dance halls (KJT, Sokol, and SPJST). Downtown admission is free. Tickets to the William Clark Green Concert are additional. When purchasing tickets online, double-check that you are purchasing for the correct day.
Ticket information:
• FRIDAY, MAY 22: Adults $10, Kids 12 & under are FREE.
• SATURDAY, MAY 23: Adults $15, Kids 12 & under are FREE.
• SATURDAY WILLIAM CLARK GREEN: $60 GA
• SUNDAY, MAY 24: Adults $11, Kids 12 & under are FREE.
• 3-DAY PASS: $30, Kids 12 & under are FREE.
Purchase tickets at the door or online here.
Czech food
Czech food is available for purchase at each of the halls with a paid admission. To-go options are available through the dining room entrances only. Please see each hall for pricing, specific menu selections, and details.
BBQ and klobase sandwiches, klobase on a stick, sauerkraut boats, kolaches, and more are available at the downtown National Polka Festival food booth by the downtown main stage on Saturday and Sunday.
Koulier Czech ornaments
Koulier makes its first ever appearance in the United States, bringing its extraordinary handcrafted and hand-painted glass Christmas ornaments to Ennis during this year’s festival.
Those who placed online orders may pick their orders up from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday at the Ennis Welcome Center, 201 N.W. Main St. downtown. Ornaments are available for purchase this evening at Sokol and will also be available on Saturday at the welcome center.
Shuttle service
There are shuttles available on Saturday, May 23, and Sunday, May 24, that run to and from downtown Ennis to the SPJST, KJT, and Sokol dance halls. The drop-off/pick-up location is at the corner of Northwest Main Street and Ennis Avenue.
The shuttles will operate from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday and from noon-5 p.m. Sunday.
For more information, visit www.nationalpolkafestival.com or visit the Frequently Asked Questions page here.
