Ennis street scene during National Polka Festival |
Ennis National Polka Festival
A celebration of Czech heritage, including
religious customs, folk dances, tastes, sights, and sounds to
create "a little bit of Czechoslovakia" on the streets of historic
downtown Ennis. Ennis and the surrounding area make up one of the
largest Czechoslovakian settlements in Texas. Eight polka bands
provide dance music in four locations in the town. Lending interest
and excitement to the festival are a giant parade, street dances,
"fun runs," gymnastics exhibitions, an arts and crafts fair and
delicious Czech foods, such as
klobase and
kolaches. Traditionally held on a weekend in May, the
first festival was held in 1966. The festival draws more than
50,000 attendees. Documenting the project are brochures on Ennis
and the National Polka Festival, a program, newspaper coverage, and
three audio cassettes of Czech music.
Originally submitted by: Martin Frost, Representative (24th District).
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