By Shane O'Neill

Prince Albert lets loose at 14th annual Polka Fest

Aug 28, 2016 | 12:09 PM

A toe tapping and foot stomping good time was held at the Prince Albert Exhibition Centre.

The 14th annual Prince Albert Polka Fest was held Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Lawrence Bodnar, volunteer and organizer of the Polka Fest, said that the friendly atmosphere, meeting new friends and old and a love of music is what keeps people of all ages coming back to the event.

When it comes to Polka music and dancing, Bodnar said the community is a passionate one.

“It makes me feel good, it’s uplifting and very rewarding. It’s kind of like a stress free weekend,” Bodnar said, “I think music is very healing.”

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Leon Ochs, from Landis, SK, performed with his partner Al Gil, on Friday and Saturday. He’s been playing polka most of his life, and he said it’s the atmosphere that he loves the most.

“Fun people, I mean, everyone is out for a good time,” Ochs said, “you never see any one grouchy. I don’t know what to tell you, it’s fun!”

Proceeds from Polka Fest go towards the maintenance and programming at the P.A. Exhibition Centre. For Bodnar, it’s the passion and dedication of the volunteers that keep the event going year after year. 

“They are the back bone of this Polka Fest,” Bodnar explained, “they have tremendous and great ideas and some of them have been with us for 14 years.”

The event wrapped up on Sunday at noon.

shane.oneill@panow.com

On Twitter: @stroneill