This weekend marks the 10th anniversary of the Polka Festival in Prince Albert. Lawrence Bodnar, the festival organizer, says the event is growing every year.
“People did not know us because we were not a household name. But actually from one polka fest to another one, word gets around. We've got some good bands and getting some good household name bands is a big key."
Wally Wychopen is from Edmonton and found out about the Prince Albert festival on a polka website. He says camaraderie is a big part of polka culture. “There are all kinds of people that know each other and love to talk. If the music is quiet enough they can do that, they'll come to dances."
Polka struggles with a reputation of being for an older generation, but festival organizers say that isn't the case.
“There's a lot of younger people that are coming out. And we're encouraging more people because it's good exercise and there's fellowship and it's a stress free weekend,” says Bodnar.
15-year-old Samantha Benoit is one of those young people. She has been attending polka festivals for about four years. She was first introduced to the culture by her grandmother, and she says she took to it right away.
“I love dancing and I always have. I haven't taken any lessons and it just comes naturally. I suck it up like a sponge, as my grandma would say."
Festival organizers say they're proud to be celebrating their 10th anniversary and they're optimistic more young people will join them so the Prince Albert Polka Fest will continue to grow in the future.
