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Polka Fest

Polka champs point to the future

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The 2021 Polka King and Queen brought a glimpse of the future when a brother and sister duo of Olivia (18) and Samuel (16) won the dance competition. The tandem, formerly of Ennis, now live in Lampasas, Texas.

As for the Kolache Eating Contest, the Catholic Union of Texas and KJT posted the winners as Jonathan Newton, the Adult Men’s Champion for six years running, and Anna Pina as Adult Women’s Champion. Hallie Arnold and Luke Ruether took the Youth Girls and Boys Champion.

2021 Polka Queen and King, Prince and Princess

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Congratulations to the 2021 National Polka Festival King and Queen - Samuel and Olivia Zmolik. Prince is Troy Glenn and Princess is Clarissa Alexander! 

Polka Parade Sat., 10:00 a.m.

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Dancing in short half-steps for 54 years, the National Polka Festival is this weekend in Ennis, May 28-30. While weather could dampen some spirits, the halls and lodges will rock-on even if the thunder rolls.

Ennis people: A history Czech up

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Members of Ennis SPJST outside the original hall in around 1940

 These images recall the places and people of yesterday’s Czech community. Seen here are: a bartender at William Nesida’s saloon, N.W. Main St., 1892; Nola Anthony Factor, Leslie Jarolimek, and Paula Myers Campo at Sokol Hall, 1990;  and Raymond Zapletal and Eddie Miller Band at one of Ennis’ first Polka Festivals, about 1969.

Czech out Ennis

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Fifty-four years and counting, the tradition-rich Polka Festival is knocking on our doors. Banners began going up this week at Felcman’s downtown and plenty of other locations, including the giant cross-East Ennis Avenue banner as drivers enter town from I-45.

Newton, kolache champ, has six-peat delayed

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Doing without the National Polka Fest in Ennis during Memorial Day weekend was difficult for many revelers. Not only did COVID-19 force the cancellation of the event, including dancing in Czech attire and knocking down a few pints of pivo, but it also meant there would be no kolache eating contest.