Pulaski Polka Days Weekend

Kelsey and I made our way to Pulaski on Friday for the annual Pulaski Polka Days festival. It was a new adventure for us because Daddy was not able to join us. He was busy running a baseball tournament in Owatonna and was not able to get away. He was pretty bummed about missing out, but his team ended up winning the tournament and are off to state! So, I guess it was worth it ;) As for me, I had never made the trip to Pulaski with just Kelsey and I, so I was a little nervous. Kelsey was a great car rider and watched movies and slept. What a good girl! When we arrived, I instantly got excited! There is something so neat about my town of 3000 people suddenly hosting 25,000 people throughout the course of the weekend! That night we went to the grounds and met up with family and friends. My dad was working in the ice cream stand, and he served up one heck of a root beer float that Aunt Evie, Kelsey and I shared!

I also was able to see my dear friend, Angie. We met going to polka dances when we were little and have stayed friends ever since. Unfortunately, we have not seen each in 2 years, so it was a long overdue reunion!

Of course there was a little dancing thrown in there, too. Poor Katrina could have been out there all night with Kelsey because she did not want to stop!



On Saturday we celebrated Kelsey's birthday. My dad and Chris made her cupcakes and gave her gifts. Aunt Evie and family also were so thoughtful and got her gifts, too. Thank you!!! It is nice that we can celebrate while we are there.





Later that evening we made our way back to the grounds for more music and catching up. I got to see my wonderful friends, the Hickoks from New York. They make the trip every year and are such great people. I am always so happy to get to spend time with them!


Sunday brought the parade and the end of the festivities. I love this parade for a few reasons: #1. I am a homer and love my local parade #2. It has a ton of bands including marching bands, polka bands, and this year there was a rock band as well #3There is a ton of unique entries which makes it very entertaining.



Aunt Evie came to the rescue and brought a pop-up canopy that helped shield us from the sun. THANK YOU! It saved my white dupa from a world of sunburn!

Following the parade we said our goodbyes and headed home. I think the way home felt like a 10 hour car ride! It was all worth it though!

There was a moment in the weekend when I was dancing with my Uncle Dennis that I thought of my mom and how much she absolutely loved polka days and celebrating her Polish heritage. I am proud to be able to carry on that tradition with Kelsey. Let the countdown begin until next year! Who wants to go???