For the past 25 years, music and dance enthusiasts from across the prairies have come together for the Medicine Hat Polka Fest.--SUBMITTED PHOTO
kking@medicinehatnews.com
A Medicine Hat music and dance festival is going strong, as it returns for its 25th year.
Medicine Hat Polka Fest first took place in 1995, started by a group of local polka enthusiasts wanting to offer southeastern Albertans a chance to experience the music they so loved. Held annually, the two-day festival combines live music, dance and food, and also offers festival goers a chance to connect with others of similar interests.
Festival organizer Linda Cleveland says she and many others are excited for the festival’s return after two years away.
“I’m getting a lot of interest, as I always do, from Edmonton, Calgary, Red Deer areas, and, of course, our local dancers as well,” Cleveland told the News. “They’re very supportive of Polka Fest (and) the dancing and camaraderie which is associated with it. People who come to Polka Fest, they get to feel like there’s a bit of a family here and they only see these people once a year when they’re at Polka Fest. So, it’s always such a great coming together again; everyone’s so happy to see each other, catch up on news, dance and so forth.”
The upcoming festival is particularly special for Cleveland as it is the 25th anniversary celebration year.
“I get a little emotional when I think about it, to think that some of the same people come back every year,” Cleveland said. “We’ve got two or three couples who are from out of town who have never missed a Polka Fest. So, it just warms my heart to think they’re still so supportive.”
Though the festival is still several weeks away, Cleveland says the event has already received considerable support from people across the Prairie provinces. As of Monday, she had reserved more than 150 of the 220 available tickets.
“If you want to come, don’t wait too late,” said Cleveland. “Because I have reached capacity a couple of times (in the past).”
Cleveland says she’s confident attendees will enjoy this year’s festival, which features two musical acts – local band the Country Squires and Saskatchewan’s Len Gadica – who will perform a variety of tunes fit for dancing.
“It’s just a weekend of good dance music – all kinds of the old-time dances, like waltzes, polkas, foxtrots,” said Cleveland.
Attendees will also be treated to a meal, the cost of which is included in the ticket price.
The festival takes place Sept. 9 from 7-11 p.m. and Sept. 10 from 2-11 p.m. at Redcliff’s German-Canadian Harmony Hall. Doors open one hour prior to festival start time each day.
Tickets can be purchased for each evening at a cost of $25 per person for Sept. 9 and $45 per person for Sept. 10. Two-day passes are also available for $60 per person. To purchase, call 403-529-2496 or email lcleve@telus.net.
