Swing Your Partner

One of the largest polka festivals in the country started in Ennis back in 1966, based on a dream (an idea actually) and the fact that people have loved to polka since the dance was born in 19th-century Czech culture. When you're standing in Ennis, eating a kolache, watching couples in bright-colored clothes dance, it's the Czechs you'll want to thank. Everybody from the Irish to us Texans have adapted the polka to fit their own musical needs. There's even a polka for "In Heaven There Is No Beer." (We don't owe them for polka dots though--that one goes to those inventive British). The 43rd Annual National Polka Festival is being held in Ennis, and it's a great time to turn out and see some fine foot-stepping and maybe do a bit of polka-ing yourself. There'll be dance halls, dance contests, traditional Czech costumes and food, a horseshoe tournament (for those who like a challenge) and even a Polkafest Run (for those who like a challenge paired with running shorts and cardio health). The festival, located in downtown Ennis, begins Friday at 7 p.m. and runs through Sunday. Tickets are $7 Friday, $12 Saturday and $10 Sunday. Call 972-878-4748, or nationalpolkafestival.com for more information.
May 22-24, 2009