13th Annual PA Polkafest brings bands from around the province

He said there will be a lot of great entertainment this year.

“We have about 17 hours of a lot of dancing, good music and all home cooked food. There’s full service RV, dry camping … it’s just a really fun weekend,” Bodnar said.

He said they have people coming from all over Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Alberta, British Columbia and even parts of the United States.

“We’re probably expecting over 1000 people over the three days.”

Bodnar said ticket sales are going well and the RV site and camping areas are filling up.

Those looking to book an RV site can call 306-764-1611.

The Gold Tones Band is one of the acts performing for Polkafest on Saturday.

Ron Tanchak of the Gold Tones Band said the group is made up of four guys from all across Saskatchewan.

“One is from Saskatoon, one is from North Battleford, one is from Radisson and [I’m] from Hafford,” he explained.

He said when they do get together to practice they make their way out to Radisson.

“We practice very irregularly, every two-three months we have to come up with some material and we have a bit of practice. We generally put it together on our own and are able to bring it out right to the stage.”

Tanchak said the group could be considered an old time dance band but they do a cross section of everything including rock, polka, waltz and all the popular dances from “days gone by.”

The Country Gentlemen Band will also be performing this weekend.

Band member Walter Berg said the group originates from Prince Albert and area.

“I wouldn’t call us a [traditional] polka band because we have a variety of music that we do. Our focus is certainly on old time music: polka, waltz and foxtrot. But we do a great variety of music such as Latin stuff, rock and roll and 60’s/70’s/80’s stuff.”

He said the group has performed in Prince Albert a couple of years ago and said it was the highlight of the year for them.

“It’s still a highlight. We’re really looking forward to it.”

Bodnar said Polkafest offers a nice family atmosphere which is a great draw year after year.

“People get together like a reunion and meet new friends. People actually follow the polka circuits.”

He said it’s like a big family reunion.

“[We want to offer] a friendly, family atmosphere so people can enjoy themselves, there’s home cooked food, a fundraiser so we can raise money for our center, it’s just a great weekend.”

This weekend’s food will include perogies, sausage, chicken wraps, desserts and so much more.

Entertainment and Tickets

Tickets for the Polkafest are available at the Prince Albert Exhibition Center, Val’s Floral Boutique or at the door.

Advance tickets:

Friday $13

Saturday $18

Fri/Sat Combo $38

Fri/Sat/Sun Combo with pancake breakfast $35

At the door tickets:

Friday $15

Saturday $20

Fri/Sat Combo $32

Fri/Sat/Sun Combo with pancake breakfast $39

On Friday the doors open at 5:30 p.m. with the dance to follow from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Bands on Friday night include Country Gentlemen Band and Country Squires Band.

On Saturday the doors open at 1 p.m. with the dance from 2 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Entertainment on Saturday includes Country Squires Band, Phoenix Band and Gold Tones Band.

On Sunday there will be a pancake breakfast that will include some entertainment.

The breakfast is from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Adults eat for $8 and children six and under eat for $3.

The entertainment for breakfast on Sunday will include Rev. Rick Martin Gospel Music, Country Gentlemen Band and Polkafest Jam Band.

by Sarah Wallace

13th Annual PA Polkafest brings bands from around the province

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